GOVERNOR ISSUES DISASTER DECLARATION
FOR VALLEY COUNTY

(BOISE) – Wildfires ravaging west-central Idaho forests prompted Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to issue a “disaster emergency” declaration for Valley County today.

Valley County officially contacted the Governor’s office seeking the declaration, which cites the risk to life and property as a result of uncontrolled wildfires. The state of disaster will remain in place for 30 days unless terminated, changed or extended for another 30-day period.

The declaration authorizes the use of state government resources to assist in efforts to deal with wildfire in the affected county.

“We’re only about three weeks into what typically is Idaho’s wildfire season, and we’re already well beyond the capacity of many local officials to cope with the problem,” Governor Otter said. “Protecting lives and property is the legitimate concern of any government. The state of Idaho will do anything within my authority to help.”

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