NIFC
National Interagency Fire Center
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise is the main coordination hub for wildland firefighting in the U.S. It brings together multiple agencies like the Forest Service and BLM to track, manage, and respond to wildfires nationwide.
For people in Idaho, NIFC is a reliable source for local fire activity because it provides:
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Up-to-date fire maps and status reports
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Forecasts on fire danger and weather
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Info straight from the agencies managing the fires
Since it’s based in Boise, it plays a direct role in local dispatch and coordination, making it a trusted, go-to resource during fire season.
Inciweb
Incident Information System
InciWeb (short for Incident Information System) is an online tool that provides up-to-date, official information on wildfires and other incidents across the U.S.
It’s managed by federal fire agencies and is a great source for:
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Current fire locations and status
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Maps, photos, and updates from incident teams
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Evacuation notices and road closures
InciWeb is especially helpful for tracking specific fires in real time and getting verified info straight from the crews on the ground.
Watch Duty
Website & mobile app
Watch Duty is a nonprofit app that gives real-time wildfire alerts and maps, based on scanner traffic and official info. It’s run by experienced fire reporters and often delivers faster, clearer updates than government sources. Great for staying informed during fire season.
The Hotshot Wake Up
Podcast & Newsletter
The Hotshot Wake Up is a weekly podcast and newsletter produced by a former Hotshot crew supervisor. It delivers inside perspectives on wildfire management, covering:
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Real-world fire incident analysis
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News and policy affecting wildfire response
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Firsthand stories from firefighters
