Officials: Generally Positive Wildfire Outlook For Eastern Idaho

Top national officials got together Thursday to spread the word of wildfire prevention.

Local officials said there’s not a lot of concern for eastern Idaho, but after a dry winter, some questions remain.

“We believe that we are prepared,” said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, during a teleconference Thursday.

As summer approaches, he and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the upcoming wildfire season is no reason to spark any concerns.

Lynn Ballard represents the East Idaho Interagency Fire Center, and believes that thinking applies to eastern Idaho.

?The chances of a wildfire taking over one of our communities — probably fairly low,” Ballard said.

He knows that the area is no stranger to stray blazes, including little brush fires on private property that quickly get out of control. Local fire departments have already responded to several this year.

“We do have a lot of dead grass from last year, and brush,” Ballard said.

April showers can alleviate that problem, Ballard explained, but only for now.

“If we get some good moisture with this warm weather, we’re going to get an increase in vegetation growth,? Ballard said. “And then when that dries out, then we’ll have an increased fuel load.”

Local and federal agencies are already at work to keep that fuel load down. Projects are in place to eliminate dry timber and brush, while fire departments ready the best equipment and training, should disaster strike.

“It’s always difficult to predict,? Ballard said. ?I think we have to see what the rest of the spring brings us.”