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Washington County declares emergency as Tartar Fire grows, seeks FMAG reimbursement
Summary
Washington County commissioners adopted an emergency declaration after the Tartar Fire grew rapidly and damaged communications infrastructure; county officials said a Fire Management Assistance Grant could cover 75% of eligible costs, leaving the county with a 10% share.
Washington County commissioners on Aug. 3 adopted a county emergency declaration after Emergency Manager Johnny Biddinger reported the Tartar Fire had “grown over 100,000 acres” and damaged key communications infrastructure.
Biddinger told the Board that county and state officials coordinated to place Washington County on a State Declaration and to request a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) that backdates to Aug. 1, 2026. “That changes that cost share to where FEMA, the Feds will pick up 75%…the state will pick up 15%, and then we will be responsible for 10% of the cost of whatever resources that we're requesting on this fire,” Biddinger said. County staff said they will track overtime, fuel, equipment time and other eligible costs for potential reimbursement.
Commissioners and IOEM staff discussed operational priorities, including getting the Sheep Creek repeater site back online after fire-related damage to power lines. Commissioner Nate Marvin and others pressed for information on whether Idaho Power would fund more resilient infrastructure; emergency staff said they would contact Idaho Power to assess options, including metal poles or undergrounding.
Prosecuting Attorney True Pearce reviewed the draft declaration on the record. The resolution cites Idaho Code Section 46-1011 and declares an emergency extending through Dec. 31, 2026 to allow activation of response and recovery plans and to request state and federal assistance. The Board voted to adopt the declaration and directed staff to forward the signed resolution to IOEM for records and continuation of assistance.
County officials said they had already been coordinating evacuations, alerting residents via AlertSense and door-to-door notifications where needed; commissioners asked staff to pursue legal review, track all county and mutual-aid costs, and ensure small volunteer departments submit expense requests for possible reimbursement under FMAG.
