How a Beloved Idaho Ski Area Is Adapting To Fire Danger
On July 6, 2026, the Claremont Fire broke out in the Boise foothills and has since spread to over 6,100 acres. In an effort to chip in, non-profit ski hill, Bogus Basin, which sits just outside Boise, has turned its snowmaking team’s efforts to wildfire mitigation.
While there’s not much snow to be made in July, the equipment used to do so in the fall and winter is actually fairly handy for keeping moisture around in the summer.
Bogus has placed snowmaking guns in areas with access to water and power, as well as gas and propane pumps that power sprinklers and help create enough moisture so a stray ember wouldn’t ignite more land.
The ski area has focused most of its efforts on protecting mountain infrastructure, such as lodges, structures, and lift terminals, by keeping them wet and cool. Tap or click below to watch Snowmaking Manager Jonathan Ostrow explain how Bogus Basin is staying prepared.
Bogus Basin began allocating resources towards fire mitigation in 2025, after insurance providers identified the Boise National Forest as a high wildfire risk zone, and added $500,000 to their annual insurance costs. The mountain then teamed up with Snow Machines Inc (SMI), which makes its snowmaking system, and developed 14 high-pressure, remotely activated sprinkler prototypes.
Each of these sprinklers, dubbed Firecats, is mounted on a mobile trailer that can be moved to protect the resort. With the ability to operate fully remotely, the Firecats allow Bogus to stay prepared in the event of a fire at night or after the mountain closes.
In addition to the Firecats, Bogus Basin also invested in three water trucks, each with a 2,000-gallon capacity. The ski area has begun training its staff in basic firefighting methods, conducting monthly fire drills, and performing regular brush-cutting to remove flammable vegetation and promote forest health.
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