State officials told Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday, that hot, dry weather led to a significant increase in wildfire activity in Idaho this summer, with an elevated risk for wildfire expected to remain in place through September.
According to the Idaho Capital Sun, during a meeting of the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise on Tuesday, Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller told the board that 400,000 acres of land in Idaho have burned this year.
Miller told land board members the department is requesting a total increase of $3 million in next year’s budget to help with wildfire fighting efforts.
The department is requesting five new positions and funding for travel, training, vehicle repair, computer equipment, new pickup trucks and other maintenance items.
The land board is expected to meet again in September and discuss pay levels for firefighters.
