Idaho is experiencing an extremely active fire season, with two major incidents drawing significant resources and threatening ranching communities across the southern and western parts of the state. The statewide wildfire outlook remains above average through September, with drought conditions persisting across all three PNW states.

Tartar Fire — Washington County

The Tartar Fire, burning north of Weiser in Washington County, has grown to over 138,271 acres. As of the most recent update on August 4, the fire stood at 41% containment. Crews have worked aggressively to establish perimeter lines in the rangeland terrain, which is dominated by dry grass and brush.

The fire has raised lasting concerns for local ranchers who depend on the affected range for livestock grazing. Many ranchers evacuated cattle ahead of the fire's advance, and officials estimate it could take multiple seasons for the range to recover enough to support normal grazing operations. Some fencing infrastructure was also damaged in the fire's path.

Big Grass Fire — Owyhee County / Oregon Border

The Big Grass Fire straddles the Oregon-Idaho border, burning in Owyhee County, Idaho, and Malheur County, Oregon. The massive rangeland fire has burned approximately 339,000 to 472,000 acres in total — figures that vary slightly by reporting agency — and containment stands around 19–35% depending on the section.

The fire has been described as one of the most massive active incidents in the country. It continues to be fueled by dense stands of invasive cheatgrass, which cures early and burns intensely. The west side of the fire has shown no signs of active fire spread recently, giving crews the opportunity to establish and strengthen containment lines on that flank.

Local ranchers and Owyhee County officials have been working continuously to evacuate livestock and secure the area. The fire's remote location complicates suppression efforts, and aerial resources have played a critical role in monitoring fire behavior and conducting targeted drops.

Statewide Fire Outlook

The latest wildfire potential forecast from the National Interagency Fire Center shows all of Idaho at above-average fire risk through at least September. The forecast cites persistent drought conditions, above-normal temperatures, and critically low live fuel moisture levels across southern and central Idaho.

Idaho land managers are urging all residents and visitors to:

  • Observe campfire and open burning restrictions in all affected areas.
  • Report smoke immediately by calling 911 or the Idaho Department of Lands fire reporting line.
  • Avoid driving through tall, dry grass where a hot vehicle exhaust or catalytic converter could start a fire.
  • Create and maintain defensible space around homes and outbuildings.

With the fire season expected to remain highly active for weeks to come, Idaho agencies are coordinating closely with the Northwest Coordination Center (NWCC) and the National Interagency Coordination Center (NICC) to ensure adequate resource availability.