LEWISTON, Idaho — All evacuations have been downgraded to Level 1 for the Gwen Fire south of Juliaetta and about 30 miles outside of Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County.
According to fire officials, the Gwen Fire was ignited by a lightning strike. In an update Monday morning, the Idaho Department of Lands said the fire had burned over 28,000 acres and is 90% contained.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is hosting a community meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31 at the Deary Volunteer Fire Department in Deary, Idaho.
There will also be an option to join the meeting virtually on the IDL Facebook page.
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.
IDL says to expect road delays on Highway 3 as local power companies work to replace power poles and repair powerlines.
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 RVs, trailers and vehicles.
Fire Size & Location
- Location: South of Juliaetta Idaho, about 30 miles outside Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County
- Acres: 28,410 and 85% contained
- 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 had to be 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.
Mail pick-up
All mail and retail service operations for the Juliaetta Post Office have been moved to the Kendrick Post Office, located at 703 E Main St., Kendrick, and customers can pick up their mail at this location until further notice.
The Kendrick Post Office is open for retail operations, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m., and Saturday 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Customers are reminded to bring a proper photo ID in order to pick up mail and packages.