Ada Reporter

Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher convened a meeting with federal and state officials on January 31, 2025, to address concerns over the upcoming wildfire season. The initiative follows what Fulcher described as a "devastating" wildfire season in 2024. During an interview with Local News 8, he highlighted the significant impact of last year's fires.

"Last year, we burned - and I say 'we, the state of Idaho' - right at a million acres of wildfire that tragically went up in smoke all over the state," Fulcher stated.

As a member of the Natural Resources Committee in Congress, Fulcher expressed concern about potential future fires in Idaho. He pointed out financial challenges faced by relevant agencies.

"I can see that the Forest Service in Idaho and the Department of Interior have about a billion dollars in what's called 'deferred maintenance,' and that is projects and things that have been approved they need to do, but they don't have the resources to do it," he explained.

The term 'deferred maintenance' refers to essential tasks like fuel load clearing which are not being completed due to resource constraints. This unaddressed fuel consists of brush, dead branches, and small trees that can contribute to severe wildfires if ignited.