Wildfire activity in Idaho is escalating rapidly as dry lightning, record-low fuel moisture, and extreme fire weather combine to create dangerous conditions statewide. NIFC lists three large fires in Idaho as of July 17, 2026, with Boundary County in the far north of the state dealing with its most significant fire activity in years.

Turner and Upper Smith Fires, Boundary County

The Turner Fire and the Upper Smith Fire are both burning in Boundary County in northern Idaho, near the town of Bonners Ferry. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to both incidents, and extensive air support has been requested. Evacuations are in place near the Turner Fire as crews work suppression efforts on challenging terrain.

Boundary County, located in the Idaho Panhandle adjacent to the Canadian border, features dense mixed-conifer forest that can produce extreme fire behavior under drought conditions. The area has seen years of forest insect and disease activity that has elevated dead fuel loading, and this summer's early fuel curing has created particularly hazardous conditions.

Residents near the Turner Fire under evacuation orders should contact the Boundary County Sheriff's Office for the latest zone information and shelter locations.

Eastern Idaho Activity

Eastern Idaho is also experiencing elevated fire activity. Multiple lightning-caused fires have been reported in the region, with forecasters warning of the hottest weekend yet for much of eastern Idaho. Fire personnel are actively monitoring new starts across the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and surrounding BLM lands.

Fire danger ratings across much of Idaho are at Extreme or Very High, and the National Weather Service has issued Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings for multiple Idaho zones heading into the weekend.

Resource Pressures

Idaho is competing nationally for firefighting resources as the multi-state fire outbreak stretches suppression capacity. NIFC's National Preparedness Level has been elevated to Level 4 out of a possible Level 5, reflecting the significant demand for firefighting resources nationwide. At Level 4, nearly all available firefighting resources are committed.

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service are coordinating with Idaho Department of Lands on all active large fire incidents. Additional Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams have been requested and are being assigned to the most complex fires.

Preparedness Guidance for Idaho Residents

  • Review and know your local evacuation routes
  • Sign up for Boundary County or Bonner County emergency alerts at idalert.idaho.gov
  • Defensible space: clear flammable materials at least 30 feet from all structures
  • Have go-bags packed for people, pets, and important documents
  • Monitor Idaho Department of Lands fire updates at idl.idaho.gov