Idaho spent well-below the year;y average on wildfire suppression in what was a relatively quiet fire year.
Wetter weather and cooler temperatures across much of Idaho this summer helped the state avoid shelling out tens of millions of dollars in putting out fires. While roughly 210,000 acres burned across Idaho this summer, only 8,000 acres were on state lands – well below the almost 585,000 acres burning in 2017.
An update on Idaho Department of Lands spending was presented this week to the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. As of October 4th, state officials had spent about $9.2 million, or less than half of the average bill over the last decade.
There’s roughly $48 million left in Idaho’s account to cover next year’s fire season, with budget officials saying they don’t expect to need any extra cash from state lawmakers. (Boise State Public radio News)
