Gwen/River fires grow to 20,000 overnight

Gwen/River fires have been combined and had significant growth overnight reaching 20,000 acres.

Multiple fires spread northeast of Lewiston after a lightning event Wednesday, July 24. Multiple structures were lost and the entire town of Juliaetta evacuated. There was an all-hands on deck wildfire response as the heat of the day/wind created active fire conditions. Resources include ground crews, engines, dozers, water scoopers, air tankers, and helicopters.

Evacuation information per Latah County Valley County Sheriff's Office: The city of Juliaetta is still in a level 3 evacuation zone and it is not advised that residents return, at this point. At this point, no structures in Juliaetta have been affected.

Evacuation locations

Relief sites are at the Latah County Fair 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 Troy High School and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints off of Big Meadow Road.

Evacuation links:

The Gwen Fire is located south of Juliaetta about 30 miles outside Lewiston near Idaho Highway 3 in Latah County. The River Fire is located on the east end of Arrow Highline Road, west of the town of Myrtle in Latah County along the Clearwater River.

Other fires in the area

Road closures via Idaho State Police

These closures will be in place until further notice: US Highway 12 from the US Highway 95 interchange to Milepost 39 just west of Orofino. And Idaho Highway 3 from the US12 interchange to milepost 10. In addition, Gifford Reubens Road is closed from US12 towards US95.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 (RMCIMT 3) is planning to in-brief on the fires Saturday evening. The Idaho Department of Lands is coordinating with partners on providing the best information possible during this evolving incident.