Governor Little declares May Wildfire Awareness Month prior to Live Wildfire Demo

Boise, Idaho - Idaho's Wildfire Awareness Month Proclamation was made official by Governor Brad Little minutes before the ignition of a wildfire demonstration. The burn featured a side-by-side look at fire behavior and showed the importance of immediate defensible space, comparing a fire-ready vs. not fire-ready structure. The signing took place as part of the Idaho Department of Insurance Wildfire Risk Forum April 29 at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.

"The unprecedented growth of the wildland-urban interface has elevated the need for coordinated education concerning how, where, and why wildfires burn as well as collaborative efforts to increase survivability of homes and property," Governor Little said.

The Governor's proclamation further states that "citizens should also take steps to better prepare their homes and communities for wildfires and work toward becoming a fire adapted community."

The Wildfire Risk Forum was hosted by the Idaho Department of Insurance (IDOI), together with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Western Zone, and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The forum educated western policymakers on the impact of wildfire on the built environment and insurance markets.

Attendees watched the burn in real time, which highlighted ignition, materials used, fire behavior and effective mitigations.
Dropbox link to download official broadcast/print quality photos, video, and remarks from Governor Little at the signing ceremony and of the wildfire demonstration: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nbbeohvhst2fdf323o4nr/ABHPSfRruwqz2vK7KU8Ma-I?rlkey=nt0o9mczx1nmjcba1hlwjperz&st=3i3jxlr4&dl=0

CONTACT

Idaho Department of Lands
Robbie Johnson, Public Information Officer
(208) 908-1786
[email protected]

Idaho Department of Insurance
Julie Robinson, Public Information Specialist
(208) 334-4312
[email protected]