It has been a tough year for wildfires in Southwest Idaho: Here’s how you can help

The 2024 wildfire season has seen hundreds of thousands of acres burn in Southwest Idaho, including the Paddock and Valley fires, which burned a combined 200,000 acres of critical winter range that sustains thousands of big game animals. 

There will be plenty of volunteer opportunities for wildfire restoration efforts in Southwest Idaho in the coming months. Do you want to help restore what was lost? If so, the first step is letting Fish and Game know you are interested by filling out this online form.  

“We know there is a ton of passion for wildlife and wildlife habitat, and we are hearing from people who are eager to help in any way they can,” said regional wildlife biologist Michael Young, who manages the Southwest Region's volunteer habitat program. “There is a ton of work to be done after this fire season, and we will take all the help we can get.” 

While the Southwest Region had several other major wildfires this year, the bulk of Fish and Game’s restoration efforts will be focused on the critical winter range encompassed in the Paddock and Valley Fire burn areas. These two winter ranges can host big game that migrate from as many as 10 different units – meaning the effects span beyond the burn areas themselves.

For people who wish to help but don’t have the time to volunteer, consider making a donation for fire rehabilitation to the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a partner of Fish and Game who can accept donations on the agency’s behalf, at https://ifwf.org/our-foundation/donate/. After indicating the amount you wish to donate, clicking “Next” will take you to a page that allows you to dedicate your donation specifically to fire rehabilitation. All funds are accounted for separately, in a restricted fund.