Idaho remains one of the most fire-affected states in the nation, with eight active large fires burning across its mountain ranges and river valleys as of September 10, 2026. While many incidents have improved significantly in recent weeks, smoldering and creeping fire behavior in heavy timber continues to challenge crews working toward full containment.

Big Grass Fire: Near Containment

One of Idaho's most talked-about fires of the 2026 season — the Big Grass Fire — has reached 94% containment as of September 10. The fire drew national attention after it became one of the largest blazes in the state's history following its rapid spread during the peak of the summer fire surge. Crews are now in mop-up mode, focused on extinguishing remaining hot spots along the perimeter and within the fire's interior.

The Spokesman-Review noted that the Big Grass Fire also sparked a local conversation about how Idaho wildfires get their names — a tradition rooted in geographic features, road names, or landmarks near the ignition point.

Doublesprings Fire: Salmon-Challis National Forest

The Doublesprings Fire, located approximately 31 miles northwest of Mackay, Idaho on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, remains active with minimal fire behavior consisting of smoldering, creeping, and flanking. Area, road, and trail closures are in effect around the incident. Structures in the area have been threatened but the fire is not currently exhibiting the explosive growth seen earlier in the season.

Smoke in West-Central Idaho

In the past week, a large area of smoke was observed spreading across west-central Idaho from fire ignitions in that area — contributing to elevated PM2.5 concentrations for communities downwind. The Boise metropolitan area and communities along the Snake River Plain have experienced periods of smoke-impacted air quality throughout the season, though conditions have improved with recent weather pattern changes.

International Resources Supporting Idaho

Some of the 212 fireline personnel from Australia and New Zealand currently deployed to the U.S. are assigned to Idaho incidents, working alongside federal and state crews in the Great Basin and Northern Rockies geographic areas. Their contribution has been particularly valuable during the peak of the season when domestic resource availability was at a critical low.

Fire Season Context for Idaho

Idaho has faced an extraordinary 2026 fire season driven by prolonged drought, record heat, and critically low fuel moisture across its diverse landscape of timber, sagebrush, and grass. The Salmon-Challis, Boise, Payette, and Nez Perce-Clearwater national forests have all seen significant fire activity.

The Idaho Department of Lands and cooperating federal agencies continue to coordinate suppression and resource management efforts across the state. Residents near active fires should monitor InciWeb, the Idaho Fire Map at firerisk.ai, and local emergency management social media channels for the most current incident information.

Key Idaho Fires Summary (as of Sept. 10)

  • Big Grass Fire: 94% contained, mop-up operations underway
  • Doublesprings Fire: Salmon-Challis NF, 31 miles NW of Mackay — smoldering, area closures in effect
  • Total Idaho large fires: 8 active incidents