Idaho Restores Some Wildfire Budget Cuts

State budget committee votes to partially reverse earlier reductions to wildfire protection funding.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Idaho Legislature's budget committee voted to restore some of the state funding for wildfire protection and prevention that was cut earlier this year. The restored funding will go toward hiring seasonal firefighters, establishing a new fire protection district in eastern Idaho, and fire prevention efforts. The move comes after initial proposals to reverse the cuts were voted down.

Why it matters

Wildfires pose a major threat to Idaho communities, and adequate state funding is crucial for preparedness and response efforts. The budget cuts risked reducing the state's firefighting capabilities and relying more on federal assistance, which could increase long-term costs.

The details

The budget committee voted to restore $124,900 in funding for the current fiscal year 2026 and $140,300 for fiscal year 2027 to the Idaho Department of Lands' wildfire programs. This funding will go toward hiring seasonal firefighters, standing up a new fire protection district in eastern Idaho, and fire prevention work. The initial budget cuts were part of broader state agency reductions to make room for tax cuts.

  • On Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, the state's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) voted to cut budgets for most state agencies and departments in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
  • On March 4, JFAC voted down proposals to restore the wildfire funding cuts.
  • On March 6, JFAC voted to reconsider and approve the restored wildfire funding.

The players

Dustin Miller

Director of the Idaho Department of Lands.

Chris Bruce

Republican state representative from Kuna who pushed for the wildfire funding to be restored.

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What they’re saying

“If they don't restore the funding, it could lead to the state hiring fewer seasonal firefighters, reducing the amount of wildfire prevention work and jeopardizing the new eastern Idaho fire protection district.”

— Dustin Miller, Idaho Department of Lands Director

What’s next

The restored funding for wildfire protection in fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 still must be approved by the full Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho Senate before being finalized.

The takeaway

This budget reversal highlights the importance of maintaining adequate state funding for wildfire preparedness in fire-prone regions like Idaho, even as lawmakers seek to enact broader tax cuts and spending reductions.