Wildfires and other catastrophes are major news and attract considerable media attention. This is particularly true for Eastern Idaho, a smaller market where stories about wildfire often lead on the broadcast news and make headlines in the local papers. The public definitely has a right to information about such incidents; however, access to incidents is often complicated by the emergency nature of what is occurring.

The purpose of this website is to help you better understand the organization, policies and terminology associated with suppression of major wildland fires. This information will help you cover your story more easily, so that you can keep your audiences better informed. This website also introduces you to the major fire organizations in eastern Idaho responsible for the suppression of wildland fires.

The public agencies involved in the suppression of wildland fires invite media coverage. In fact, these agencies recognize that news media coverage of wildland fires is an integral part of keeping the public informed and spreading the wildland fire prevention message. Our biggest concern is that everyone approaches wildland fires safely and in a manner which does not interfere with emergency efforts.

The principles discussed in this website also apply to other emergency or incident management situations that involve federal and state land management agencies operating under what is called the National Interagency Incident Command System (ICS). More on this valuable tool coming up soon. Read on!