Wildfire Preparedness at Bogus Basin
The threat of wildfire weighs heavily on our minds at Bogus Basin, especially after having been identified as one of the highest wildfire risk zones in the United States by insurance providers. Not only did this judgement raise insurance costs, it also inspired us to get creative. You may recall a story from last fall about the Firecat, a remote controlled sprinkler system (pictured below) that was integrated into our snowmaking infrastructure last summer.
The team is doing everything possible to prepare the mountain for a potential wildfire to mitigate harm to infrastructure, staff, and guests. In addition to collaborating on the development of the Firecat prototype, we are making strides in our brush cutting efforts. Brush cutting helps improve forest health, and removes vegetation near structures in order to reduce infrastructure damage in the event of a fire. This summer, we invested in the Green Climber – a remote controlled brush cutting technology that can clear vegetation on slopes as steep as 60° – making the effort safer and more efficient in hard to reach areas.
A New Way to stay Prepared
Last spring, 10 Bogus Basin staff earned their Wildland Firefighter Incident Qualifications Cards, also known as Red Cards. Earning these cards was no easy feat; the course required 30 hours of online training, plus an arduous Pack Test that included a 3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in under 45 minutes.
The team of dedicated employees completed their training on Friday, June 12th, 2026, just in time for a June 19th opening.
Incident Qualification Certification holders
- Andy Christy, Lift Maintenance Manager
- Matt Weiser, Snowcat Operator
- Curtis Meyer, Lift Mechanic
- Ralph Shelton, Water and Wastewater Manager
- Jack Wait, Lift Mechanic
- John Paradis, Lift Mechanic
- Maddy Baldwin, Lift Mechanic
- Brain Shawley, Water System Technician
In the Event of a Fire
If a wildfire does occur at Bogus Basin, the Red Card holders that are onsite will be able to better manage the event, staying on scene until other managing agencies arrive. They will also be included in communication chains with responding agencies, a tactic that proved helpful during last summer’s Rock fire near Tamarack Resort.
Responding Agencies
Under a mutual aid agreement, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) holds primary responsibility for the area while maintaining shared response duties with the US Forest Service.
Prepared to Protect our Local Treasure
The Bogus Basin team is proud of this group for their hard work and accomplishment in this course. If you see them around, be sure to give them kudos for their hard work and commitment. And, please be sure to be fire aware this summer. Avoid having fires in prohibited areas (Bogus Basin included), report a smoke plume if you see one, and take note of the day’s fire danger warnings. It takes all of us to protect our local treasure.
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three conveyor lifts, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
