The 2024 Idaho wildfire season was a series of notable wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Idaho during 2024.
Predictions made by the National Interagency Fire Center at the start of the season forecast an above-average potential for most of Idaho. This fire potential was partially due to the two previous winters being wet, leading to a large amount of extra brush and plants to grow.
While the "fire season" in Idaho varies every year based on fire weather conditions, most wildfires occur from June to September. Fire activities normally increase in July and August because of drier conditions, hotter temperatures, and more lightning strikes from thunderstorms. However, wildfire severity can vary every year based on preseason conditions such as snowpack and the overcrowded growth of vegetation and dying trees.
By early October, Idaho experienced a notably intense wildfire season. The state saw nearly 826,000 acres burned by October 1, marking the highest total since 2012, primarily across the Boise and Payette National Forests where several fires burned explosively in September.
One of the most destructive was the Paddock Fire, sparked by lightning and ultimately scorching approximately 187,000 acres across Gem, Payette, and Washington countiesâÂÂqualifying it as one of Idaho's largest fires in the season. Meanwhile, the Wapiti Fire, which began in late summer, devastated over 129,000 acres across Boise and Custer counties, becoming another major centerpiece of the season.
Despite the immense acreage burned, Idaho saw relatively limited structural lossâÂÂa rarity in extreme fire yearsâÂÂthough more than 50 homes were lost, including eight in the Wapiti Fire and four in the Gwen Fire near Kendrick. The season's fuel dynamics and high demand across fires created intense pressure on suppression resources.
Financially, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) logged a massive expenditureâÂÂover $39 million on firefighting operations through the seasonâÂÂwith a significant portion spent combating the Gwen and Texas fires. By late August, IDL estimated total fire suppression costs at $51.1 million, and net General Fund obligations after reimbursables amounted to approximately $45.8 million
The following is a list of fires that burned more than , or produced significant structural damage or casualties.