Idaho is dealing with its own cluster of wildfire activity as the 2026 season intensifies across the interior West. Three fires currently tracked on InciWeb — the Upper Smith Fire, the Turner Fire, and the Shingle Creek Fire — are the primary active incidents in the state, contributing to Idahos listing among states with confirmed large fires in the NIFC daily situation report.

Upper Smith Fire — Payette National Forest

The Upper Smith Fire is the largest of Idahos currently listed InciWeb incidents, mapped at 598 acres within the Payette National Forest (IDIPF). The fire is burning in steep, remote terrain in the central Idaho mountains — an area known for limited road access and challenging conditions for both ground-based and aerial suppression. Incident managers updated the fire on July 17, and resources have been committed to initial attack and monitoring operations.

Turner Fire

The Turner Fire is tracked at 300 acres under the IDNIA designation. While smaller than the Upper Smith Fire, the Turner Fire is under active management and has been assigned firefighting resources to prevent further growth. Terrain and fuel conditions in the area are consistent with other Idaho fire environments — steep slopes, dry timber, and limited natural fuel breaks — that can allow fires to rapidly expand if weather conditions deteriorate.

Shingle Creek Fire — Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

The Shingle Creek Fire, at 628 acres in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, has been active for over a week. The fire is in an area with a history of significant wildfire activity and dense mixed conifer fuels. Forest closures may be in effect in the vicinity of this fire — hikers and recreationists should check with the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest before entering the area.

Idahos 2026 Fire Season Context

Idaho is among the states currently listed in the NIFC national situation report as having active large fires, with three confirmed incidents as of July 16. The states central and northern mountains — covered in dense conifer forests and experiencing significant drought stress — represent high-risk terrain for the remainder of the 2026 fire season.

The Poorman Prescribed Fire (2,692 acres) in the Boise National Forest was also recently active as a managed prescribed fire operation, though that project is nearing completion and was listed on InciWeb approximately two weeks ago.

Residents and visitors throughout Idaho are encouraged to:

  • Check for current forest and BLM closures before backcountry travel
  • Report new fire starts immediately by calling 911
  • Avoid open burning during periods of extreme fire danger
  • Monitor the Idaho Office of Emergency Management and county emergency alerts for the latest updates