Gwen Fire at 20,000 acres with no containment

Gwen Fire (a combination of the Gwen and River fires) is reported at 20,000 acres with no containment Friday evening.

Communities impacted include Myrtle, Juliaetta, Lapwai and Culdesac. Primary residences, outbuildings and a commercial building are among the structures lost. Structure assessments are underway to further evaluate the extent of the losses. About 300 people have been evacuated.

Around 200 personnel are actively assigned to the fire.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.

Multiple fires spread northeast of Lewiston 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.

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.

Evacuation links: