Lemhi County Wildland Urban Interface & Firewise

07/15/2026

We have confirmed that the was human-caused. Investigators have determined the fire originated from an unattended campfire used by an unknown individual to cook food sometime between July 11–12, 2026. The ignition point is located approximately one-quarter mile uphill from the Luther Heights Organizational Camp. Evidence collected at the scene has been submitted to a crime laboratory for further analysis as the investigation continues.

U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is seeking information from anyone who may have been in that area during the identified timeframe or who may know someone who was. Anyone with information is encouraged to call us at 208-423-7500.

06/17/2026

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone, which includes the Salmon-Challis National Forest, will be moving to HIGH Fire Danger effective today.

Learn more --> https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/salmon-challis/newsroom/releases/central-idaho-dispatch-zone-moves-high-fire-danger

06/10/2026

Current weather outlooks indicate an extremely dry year ahead, and agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and Wildland Fire Service are preparing for potentially severe fire conditions.

Because of this, it’s more important than ever for our community to stay informed, prepared, and proactive. We strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of the tools and resources provided by the county to receive updates, understand risks, and be ready in case of emergency.

04/23/2026

04/06/2026

03/19/2026

Do your part to help prevent wildfires as record heat impacts much of the country this week.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) hundreds of daily temperature records may be set from the West Coast to the Plains. These conditions can accelerate fuels drying and snowpack melting, increasing wildfire risk in many areas.

Take a few steps to help prevent wildfires and protect your community:
- Check local fire restrictions
- Avoid activities that could spark a fire on hot, dry, or windy days
- Properly extinguish your campfires – drown, stir, and cold to the touch
- Secure tow chains and keep your car tires fully inflated
- If debris burning is permissible in your area, keep piles small and burn only under appropriate conditions

Small actions can prevent devastating wildfires.

Find more tips from Smokey Bear at: https://smokeybear.com/
Red Flag Warnings from the NWS can be found here: www.weather.gov/fire/

Photo by Paul Hensel

02/24/2026

PARTNERSHIP LOGGING on the BOISE NF

Work is underway on the French Hazard Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Project, located four miles west of Cascade. This project will reduce catastrophic wildfire risk for communities on West Mountain through commercial logging, non-commercial vegetation removal, and prescribed fire.

We’re partnering with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) through the Good Neighbor Authority to make it happen.

What is Good Neighbor Authority?

GNA is a tool that allows the Forest Service and IDL to work together on forest restoration. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ ANALYZE & PLAN: The Forest Service develops a detailed project plan after completing an environmental analysis.
2️⃣GETTIN' IT DONE: IDL uses its streamlined contracting process to get boots on the ground quickly, while Forest Service staff move on to planning the next project.
3️⃣ REINVEST: Revenue from GNA commercial logging is then used to support future projects, including non-commercial thinning, restoration and administrative support.

This partnership allows us to accelerate active forest management projects that deliver timber to local mills and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Learn more about GNA and our partnership with Idaho:
https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-forestry/shared-stewardship/good-neighbor-authority/

Logging operations seen here are being carried out by M.W. Renfro & Sons Logging, a small business based in Horseshoe Bend, ID.

Forest Service photo by Mike Williamson showing commercial logging on the French Hazard WUI Project near Cascade, ID on Feb. 3, 2026.