The Gwen Fire burning east of Lewiston continues to grow and is now estimated at nearly 29,000 acres with zero percent containment.
Several structures have been lost, though officials have not released an exact number.
More than 200 personnel are battling the blaze utilizing a large air tanker, a helicopter and single-engine air tankers aimed at protecting homes, farmland and cultural sites.
A Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team has assumed command of firefighting operations.
All evacuation orders remain in effect.
Current Situation: As of Monday, July 29.
- Firefighters were able to make good progress on the northwest corner of the fire. Crews will continue to extinguish hotspots along the fire perimeter to secure that line today.
- Dozer line was completed on the northwestern portion of the fire yesterday. Today, hotshots will secure this line by reducing the fuel loading between the dozer line and the active fire. This action will increase the probability of the fire staying west of Pine Creek drainage.
- As fields are harvested, farmers are discing along the edge of their fields creating a very effective fireline. This is aiding in the fire suppression efforts on the south and west portions of the fire.
- The structure protection group is securing structures within the fire perimeter by extinguishing any residual heat in the unburned pockets of fuel that have the potential to reburn and threaten values at risk.
- The night shift engines will be patrolling and monitoring the fire area for any threats to the values at risk.
- Team Three continues to work with the local law enforcement agencies in evaluating road closures and evacuations. All closures and evacuations are in place for the safety and well-being of the public and the firefighters. As soon as it is safe to do so the roads will be opened, and the evacuations levels will be reduced.
According to the Idaho Transportation Department, some parts of U.S. Highway 12 are now reopened, but a 13-mile stretch from Arrow Bridge to Lenore is still closed. State Highway 3 is now reopened, even though the Level 3 evacuation order remains in place.
A public information meeting for the Gwen Fire has been scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight (Mon) at the Lapwai Elementary School, located at 170 Agency Road in Lapwai. The meeting will also be streamed through the Idaho Department of Lands at www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands/.
