Wildfire Alert: Gwen Fire – Current as of 7:45 PM PT on 7/26/24

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 07/26/2024 09:18 PM MDT

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Fire Incident Information - Email Header

Gwen Fire Update

#GwenFire

Evening Update - July 26, 2024

Current as of 7:45 p.m. PT

Location: East of Lapwai, Idaho by 5 miles

Size: 20,000 acres

Containment: 0%

Communities Impacted: Julietta, Lapwai, and Culdesac

Structures: Primary residences, outbuildings and a commercial building are among the structures lost. Structure assessments are underway to further evaluate the extent of the losses.

Personnel: Around 200 actively assigned to the Gwen Fire

Number of Evacuees: Approximately 300

Road Closures: US Highway 12 is closed between Spalding and Peck. State Highway 3 is closed between Arrow Bridge and Kendrick. Gifford/Reubens Highway is also closed.

Current Situation: There is good progress with firefighter crews and bulldozers working close to the fire edge to create containment lines. Aircraft providing fire suppression overhead has been effective in supporting ground crews and making progress with containment efforts. Wind continues to be a factor in fire movement.

Incident Background: Multiple fires spread northeast of Lewiston, Idaho after a lightning event Wednesday, July 24. The Gwen Fire and River Fire are combined in one incident called the Gwen Fire. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 (RMCIMT 3) is planned to be in-briefed Saturday evening and will boost firefighting efforts.

Evacuation Links:

https://www.latahcountyfair.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement

https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO

Incident Contact:

Robbie Johnson

Public Information Officer Complex

Idaho Department of Lands

208-908-1786

rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

Photo by Whitnee Haas showing dry grasses burned around a residence. Download Official Gwen Fire Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9lj3cdltgmogsj0n7dzp5/AFTPzVmZeME7-fa4_Jp_jv0?rlkey=ahwwgm0xlg2kgglz65vdnyg12&st=4th4c7rf&dl=0

IMG_5817 Whitnee Haas.jpeg

Most wildfires are caused by humans. Be part of the solution – learn how!

· Be aware of and follow all fire restrictions

· During closed burn season, before burning debris apply for a free burn permit – it’s the law

· Use campfires safely by staying clear of flammable debris and burning on mineral soil

· Maintain vehicles and OHVs properly – especially their tires - so you don’t spark a fire

· Secure trailer chains so they don’t drag and cause a fire

· Never park over dry grass because hot exhaust systems can start a fire

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For the most current information about wildfires on land protected by the Idaho Department of Lands, please visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-news-feed/.

Idaho Department of Lands in partnership with two Timber Protection Associations and with the support of rural volunteer fire departments and other partners, provides fire suppression and prevention on more than 9 million acres of state and private forests and rangelands in Idaho. IDL focuses on initial attack with the goal of keeping fires at 10 acres or less. IDL protects and preserves important endowment timber assets that help fund Idaho schools and other beneficiaries, as well as millions of acres of private forestland.

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