In Idaho, we experience our wildfire season which runs from June through September or October when the snow usually starts to fall in the mountains. Unfortunately, this timing overlaps with the camping season here which brings more people into the backcountry increasing the chance for initiating wildfires.

This is a serious time in Idaho where 9% of our landmass is federally protected wilderness and if you add in all mountainous or hard to access areas that percentage climbs to over 60%. Fires are a big problem. In 2024, over 1.1 million acres were destroyed by wildfires and in an average year this can total upwards of 400,000 acres. This year, due to a very low snowpack and rainfall we are expecting another bad year.

Besides the damage from the fire, the side effect is obviously smoke that fills our air and creates problems for people with respiratory issues. Here is hoping it is not as bad as expected!

Aminus3 Photography theme of smoke.