Two fast-moving wildfires have forced mass evacuations and closed a 24-mile section of U.S. Highway 12 east of Lewiston and a 9-mile section of Idaho State Highway 3 near Juliaetta.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the Gwen Fire was burning north of the Clearwater River in the area around Juliaetta while the River Fire was burning near several small communities along the Clearwater River, spreading south. The fires were estimated at 2,000 acres apiece as of last (Thur) night. Both blazes are believed to have been caused by lightning.
Go now evacuation orders were issued for residents in and near the communities of Juliaetta, Myrtle and Cherrylane. Level 2 evacuation orders, meaning be ready to evacuate at a moments notice, were issued for the Cottonwood Creek and South Tom Beall Road areas, as well as areas along the Reubens-Gifford Road to Gifford and the Summit Grade areas.
Multiple structures have been lost due to the fires, although an exact number is unknown at this time.
A 24 mile stretch of U.S. Highway 12 from the Arrow Bridge Junction to Peck remains closed in both directions, as does Idaho State Highway 3 from the Arrow Bridge Junction to the McGary Grade near Juliaetta.
An Incident Management Team has been requested as Idaho Department of Lands crews, air tankers, engines and dozers along with local farmers work to slow the fires’ spread.
Multiple evacuation sites have been set up at the Latah County Fair Grounds in Moscow, where the barns have been open for animals and the carnival area is open for RVs, trailers and vehicles. Other evacuation sites in Latah County include Troy High School and the LDS Church off Big Mountain Road.
In the LC Valley, the Lewiston Round Up Grounds is open for evacuees, including livestock. Additionally, the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds is open for animals, and RV hookups are also available, along with showers and restrooms, and the Asotin County Fairgrounds are also available for livestock.
