Gwen Fire forced evacuation in Juliaetta, Idaho
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Multiple fires in Latah and Nez Perce counties in Idaho forced the evacuation of Juliaetta, Myrtle, Cherryland, and Arrow areas Thursday night.
According to an Inciweb report, the Gwen Fire started south of Juliaetta, about 30 miles outside Lewiston, after a lightning strike. The fire has burned 2,000 acres as Thursday.
Another wildfire, the River Fire, also was active close to Myrtle. It burned 2,000 acres.
The Gwen Fire and River Fire are now combined into one incident called the Gwen Fire and has grown to 20.000 acres as of Friday noon.
The fires forced the closure of State Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 12 Thursday afternoon. Both highways will be closed until further notice.
According to the Idaho Department of Transportation’s latest travel update, all lanes of U.S. Highway 12 remain closed in both directions from US95 to Big Canyon Road. State Highway 3 also is closed from the US 12 interchange to Milepost 10.
The Idaho State Police’s latest news release notes Gifford Reubens Road also is closed from US 12 to US 95.
Robbie Johnson, public information officer with the Idaho Department of Lands, said the agencies are focusing on getting all the crews they can, all the aircraft, and making sure people are aware of evacuations.
“There’s a half a dozen fires out there. It’s a hard fire season for that community, lots of people are reaching out to help,” Johnson said.
Inciweb list other fires in the area, including Cherry, Rock Creek, Burnt Creek, and Steelhead Inn.
According to the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, no structures in Juliaetta have been affected by the fire, but officials are still advising residents to stay clear as the fire is relatively close to the city.
Juliaetta is still under Level 3 ‘Go Now’ evacuation notice, and according to the Sheriff’s Office “it is not advised for residents to return.”
People also have lost power in the area. Clearwater Power officials said in a recent update, there are at least 278 members without power in the area.
“Crews have been on site in the areas of the Gwen and River fires for the past 36 hours. They have successfully saved poles, however, more than a dozen power poles have been burned down.”
Crews are working to backfeed power to restore it to their best capacity, Clearwater Power officials said.
An Air Quality Advisory is also in effect for the Nez Perce Reservation due to smoke from wildfires. It will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday.
Latah County Fires evacuation relief sites are at the Latah County Fairgrounds and Events Center.
“The barns are open for stalling animals, and the East Field (Carnival Area) is open for RV, Trailers, and Vehicles. Other centers are the Troy High School and the LDS Church off of Big Meadow Road,” said the Inciweb latest report at the moment of this publication.
Nez Perce County Fairgrounds also is offering help for those displaced by the fires. “We have pens for sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and poultry. We have plenty of RV Parking,” according to a social media posted by the County Fair.
Those who do not have an RV and need shelter also can reach out to the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds via text message, or call 559-288-3475.
For more information about evacuation boundaries and roads closures, visit this links:
