Idaho Closes Fire Season; Smore Fire Contained, Payette Prescribed Burns Begin

Idaho has officially wrapped its 2026 fire season, with the statutory closed fire season ending October 20 and wildfire activity across the state at its lowest levels of the year. A moisture-rich weather system is delivering widespread soaking rain and much colder temperatures statewide, and the last significant fire of the season — the Smore Fire in Ada County — is fully contained.

Smore Fire: Fully Contained After Human-Caused Rangeland Blaze

The Smore Fire, located near Coyote Butte and Melba in Ada County, has been fully contained. The human-caused rangeland blaze ignited October 17 and spread through dryland grass and sagebrush before fire crews secured the entire perimeter. No evacuations, road closures, or structural threats remain associated with the incident, and all personnel have demobilized.

Firefighters in Camas and Bonner counties continue to actively manage a small number of remaining late-season incidents, but conditions across those areas are also described as subdued, with fire behavior limited to smoldering in heavy timber. No communities face an immediate threat.

All Statewide Restrictions Lifted

With the statutory fire season now closed, all interagency fire restriction zones statewide have been returned to no-restriction status. Residents who faced open burning limitations throughout the fire season can now resume debris burning and other outdoor fire activities. However, fire officials continue to urge caution on dry or windy days and remind the public to never leave a burn pile unattended and to always have water and a shovel on hand.

Payette National Forest: Prescribed Burns Underway Near Council

The Payette National Forest is actively conducting controlled prescribed burns in the Mill Creek area, with visible smoke expected to drift over the town of Council. The burns are part of the forest's fall prescribed fire program, which takes advantage of cooler temperatures, shorter days, and higher fuel moisture to safely accomplish fuels reduction work that directly reduces future wildfire risk.

Residents near Council and surrounding communities may experience periodic smoke during burn operations. The Forest Service advises sensitive individuals — including those with asthma, heart conditions, or other respiratory issues — to limit prolonged outdoor exposure during prescribed burn activity and to check AirNow.gov for current air quality conditions.

Watch for Burn Scar Hazards

Despite the end of fire season, fire and emergency officials are reminding residents that burn scars created by this summer's wildfires remain hazardous long after containment. Those traveling near the Wapiti or Crooked burn scars should remain watchful for flash flooding and debris flows, particularly following the heavy rain events currently moving through the region.

Idaho Fire Season Summary