Wildfire Alert: Gwen Fire – Current as of 10:30 AM PT on 7/27/24

Idaho Department of Lands sent this bulletin at 07/27/2024 12:24 PM MDT

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Fire Incident Information - Email Header

#GwenFire Morning Update

Current as of 10:30 a.m. PT

There was fire growth overnight. An incoming Complex Incident Management Team is being in-briefed tonight. With them comes more resources, mapping capabilities and larger-scale coordination.

Local agencies are working together to update the community on evacuations and road closures. Idaho Department of Lands is distributing fire information in the impacted communities.

If you can help distribute information, please let us know in the comments. We have an information flyer for printing and posting in communities that we can share.

Facebook resources for evacuation information:

Nez Perce Tribe

https://www.facebook.com/NPT1855

Nez Perce County Emergency Management https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement

Latah County Sheriff's Office

https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO

Gwen Fire Details

Location: East of Lapwai, Idaho by 5 miles

Size: 20,000 acres with updated acres to come

Containment: 0%

Photo: Evidence of structures lost by Whitnee Haas

Communities Impacted: Juliaetta, 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: Approximately 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.

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.

Incident Contact:

Robbie Johnson

Public Information Officer Complex

Idaho Department of Lands

208-908-1786

rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

IMG_5818 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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