Wildfire Threat Up for Idaho Rangeland but Forests OK So Far

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State and federal officials say Idaho faces an increased potential for rangeland wildfires in the south but forested areas in the north are in better shape at this point than last year.

Wildland fire analyst Jeremy Sullens of the National Interagency Fire Center told the Idaho Land Board on Tuesday that a good snowpack has put more moisture in northern Idaho forests to delay the fire season. But he says additional moisture in the southern part of the state has led to an increase in grasses that could fuel rangeland fires.

State forester David Groeschl says officials learned from last year during one of Idaho's worst wildfire seasons. He says Idaho is better prepared this year with additional resources in the north. He says that includes a bigger helicopter and more firefighters.