Idaho Department of Lands hold board meeting to talk about fires and beneficiaries

BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Land Board of Commissioners held its monthly meeting in Boise this morning.

They heard the monthly fire report from the Department of Lands.

As of Monday, there have been 149 human-caused fires, 94 of which were started by lightning, for 243 fires that burned 23,572 acres.

July saw an increase in fires and their sizes due to dry conditions with above-average temperatures. The fire danger is expected to continue through September.

So far, the cost to the state for IDL land and protection is over $27 million.

“As of Aug. 19, Emergency Fire Suppression expenditures are estimated to be $29,717,500,” IDL Director Dustin Miller said. “The suppression account will recover an estimated $2,670,000 of reimbursable costs, for a net obligation of $27,047,500.”

This does include aircraft costs and contracts for firefighting.

During the land board meeting, the commissioners also approved a record distribution of over $100 million to beneficiaries in fiscal year 2026.

Beneficiaries are public schools, which get the largest share at over $68 million, penitentiary at over $3 million, State Hospital South at over $7 million and many colleges and universities.