It seems that the whole state is covered in a blanket of smoke from the many wildfires tearing through the landscape.
Idaho, like many western U.S. states, is prone to wildfires, especially during the hot and dry summer months. Wildfires can be caused by a variety of factors, including lightning strikes, human activities, and natural events. The combination of dry vegetation, warm temperatures, and occasional high winds creates conditions that can lead to rapid fire spread and difficult firefighting efforts.
Some significant wildfires that occurred in Idaho prior to September 2021 include:
2020 Woodhead Fire: This wildfire burned in the Payette National Forest in western Idaho. It started in September 2020 and burned over 90,000 acres.
2015 Clearwater Complex Fire: This complex of fires burned in north-central Idaho, affecting the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and other areas. The fire burned over 50,000 acres and led to evacuations and road closures.
2013 Beaver Creek Fire: This fire occurred near Sun Valley in central Idaho. It burned over 100,000 acres and led to evacuations of residential areas.
2007 Murphy Complex Fire: This fire was a complex of wildfires that affected southwestern Idaho. It burned over 600,000 acres and was one of the largest wildfires in the state’s history.
2000 Elk Complex Fire: This wildfire burned over 100,000 acres in the Boise National Forest. It was sparked by lightning and contributed to a summer of intense fire activity in the region.
Remember that these examples are not exhaustive, and there have likely been more wildfires in Idaho since September 2021. To get the most current and accurate information about Idaho wildfires, I recommend checking official sources such as the Idaho Department of Lands, the U.S. Forest Service, and local news outlets.