LEWISTON, Idaho — Level 3 (Go Now!) evacuations remain in place for several areas for the Gwen Fire south of Juliaetta and about 30 miles outside of Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County. In an update Monday morning, the Idaho Department of Lands said the fire had burned over 28,000 acres and is 0% contained.
Road Openings
At 6 p.m., July 29, there was a re-opening of Highway 12. There is also a re-opening of McGary Grade Road, Hubbard Gulch, and Gifford Ruebens Road. There is still an active fire within these areas and may have potential hazards. These road openings will be re-evaluated as time and weather conditions change.
Evacuations
The latest evacuations can be found below.
Evacuation Relief Centers are available at the Latah County Fair and Events Center, Troy High School and LDS Church off Big Meadow Road. The sheriff's office said barns are open for stalling animals, and the carnival area is open for RV, trailers and vehicles.
Fire Size & Location
- Location: South of Juliaetta Idaho, about 30 miles outside Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County
- Acres: 28,805 as of Monday
- Resources/Agencies: The Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, area rural fire departments, local landowners
Several residences, outbuildings and commercial buildings have been lost to the fire and about 300 residents have been evacuated.
Multiple fires have broken out northeast of Lewiston following lightning strikes from a storm on Wednesday, July 24. According to the Idaho Department of Lands, numerous fires in the area will likely combine to make a complex fire. Multiple structures have been lost, but it's not believed any homes/buildings in Juliaetta have been damaged by the flames, the Latah County Sheriff's Office reports.
Resources to fight the fires include fire crews, engines, dozers, water scoopers, air tankers and helicopters.
