Idaho National Guard Activation For Wildfire Support Comes At A Cost

Idaho Statesman

Gov. Otter speaks with Col. Brad Richy, left, after a helicopter tour of the Halstead and Trinity Ridge fires.

*StateImpact received new information this afternoon from the Idaho National Guard that the federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost to activate Idaho soldiers and airmen for support on the Trinity Ridge fire.  The federal government typically shares this cost with the state, but in this case, the federal government requested Gov. Otter activate the guard, therefore, they’ll pick up the full cost. 

More than 100 Idaho National Guardsman have been activated to support firefighting efforts in the state, costing $25,000 per day.

On Sunday Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter activated 101 soldiers and airmen to help with the Trinity Ridge Fire.  They’ll provide security and helicopter support.

Col. Tim Marsano anticipates the guardsmen will be active through September 14.  That would put the estimated cost at $675,000.  The federal government will reimburse the state for 100 percent of the cost.

The Trinity Ridge Fire, burning near the towns of Featherville and Pine, has burned nearly 100,000 acres so far.

The Idaho Department of Lands says the state’s general fund paid for almost $6 million in fire suppression costs for the year ending June 30, 2012.  The average general fund cost over the last five years is $8.6 million.  The Department of Lands reports as of August 1, Idaho had already spent $9.1 million.