Local districts preparing for fire season

Each year, experts share their predictions for the upcoming fire season. In recent years, phrases like “the worst fire season ever” have become common. However, like the weather, even expert predictions can sometimes miss the mark.

The 2025 fire season was certainly impactful for Bonner County, with several significant fires. The most memorable was the Sunset Fire in the Sagle area. During that incident, local fire districts quickly recognized a shortage of available resources. In coordination with the Idaho Department of Lands, we activated state mobilization plans, bringing in firefighters from across the state, including the Treasure Valley.

While there were many lessons learned from that fire, the most important is clear: we need to continue strengthening fire protection in Bonner County. This should go beyond physical resources to include an honest analysis of our community’s risk for wildfire, and more proactive land management.    

In the short term, with the support and approval of our fire boards, we have expanded our seasonal firefighter program operating under our Wildfire Division. By leveraging state funding for response and deployment, Selkirk will hire four seasonal firefighters. Their mission will be to increase local response capacity, coordinate closely with IDL and protect life and property in Bonner County from wildfire. It is anticipated that reimbursements will continue to fund this effort. This is in line with the feedback we heard from our community over the last few years and reflects our continued efforts to seek alternative funding. These seasonal firefighters will be assigned to the Careywood fire station.  

We still need your help! The work you do on your property to reduce the risk of wildfire — often called defensible space — remains the most important step in preparing for fire season. Creating defensible space can also make it easier for firefighters to safely access your property and protect your home. In new construction, there are some cost-effective steps to ensure homes are more fire resistive. There are many resources available to help guide you. Please visit our website, the Idaho Department of Lands website or Bonner County Emergency Management’s website for more information.

May is Wildfire Preparedness Month and serves as a reminder to take proactive steps before fire season begins. It encourages individuals and communities to create defensible space, prepare emergency plans and stay informed about local fire risks.

Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Bonner County.

Jeff Armstrong is the fire chief for the Selkirk and Northside fire districts.