Idaho Falls: Winter Fire Risks Rise as Colder Weather Finally Arrives

~ On January 20, 2026, state leaders and fire service professionals from across Idaho gathered at the State Capitol in Boise to recognize Community Risk Reduction Week. Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation, emphasizing the state's commitment to prevention-focused public safety.

The event was attended by Idaho Falls Fire Department Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett, who showed his support for these statewide efforts. This reflects the department's dedication to implementing Community Risk Reduction principles at a local level.

The proclamation highlights Idaho's emphasis on prevention, preparedness, and coordinated public safety efforts. It also supports the work of the Idaho Community Risk Reduction group, led by Carly Shears, community risk reduction manager at Meridian Fire Department.

During the ceremony, Shears explained the purpose of Community Risk Reduction and stressed the importance of proactive strategies based on data to reduce risk before emergencies occur. "Community Risk Reduction is the process fire departments use to identify risk before tragedy occurs and take intentional action to reduce it," Shears stated. "As Idaho continues to grow, Community Risk Reduction provides a strategic framework and mindset shift from reactive to proactive."

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This year's Community Risk Reduction message focuses on the five Es: Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response. These elements work together to form a comprehensive approach that ensures prevention efforts are not isolated programs but coordinated strategies that reduce risk before, during, and after emergencies.

Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, which brings challenges such as increased call volume, higher population density, expanding development, and growing wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface. At the same time, fire departments are facing limitations in staffing and budget while emergencies become more frequent and severe. Community Risk Reduction provides a framework for addressing these challenges through collaboration, planning, and prevention.

Governor Little's recognition of Community Risk Reduction as a foundational element of modern fire service work statewide reinforces its importance. In Idaho Falls, the Fire Prevention team is committed to applying data-driven strategies to reduce risk and protect the community before emergencies occur.

For more information and resources related to Community Risk Reduction Week, visit crrweek.org.

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