Idaho Department of Lands

InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-2024-gwen-fire

Multiple fires spread northeast of Lewiston, Idaho after huge lightning event Wednesday, July 24
Multiple structures lost, entire town of Juliaetta evacuated

All-hands on deck wildfire response as heat of day/wind pushes fire, evacuations continue

Complex Incident Management Team ordered

RESOURCES: Fire crews, engines, dozers, water scoopers, air tankers, helicopters

Evacuation information
Source: Latah County Sheriff's Office
Evacuation relief sites for Latah County Fires 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 Evacuation relief centers are the Troy High School and the LDS Church off of Big Meadow Road.

Evacuation links:
https://www.latahcountyfair.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement
https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO

Gwen Fire Details
Location: South of Juliaetta Idaho, about 30 miles outside Lewiston
near State Highway 3 in Latah County
Acres: 2000 at last report
Jurisdiction: Nez Perce Reservation/Idaho Department of Lands
Resources/Agencies: The Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, area rural fire departments, local landowners

River Fire Details
Location: East End of Arrow Highline Road, west of the town of Myrtle in Latah County along Clearwater River
Acres: 2000 at last report
Jurisdiction: Idaho Department of Lands
Resources/Agencies: Idaho Department of Lands, area rural fire departments, local landowners, other partners

Other fires in the area
Cherry Fire
Rock Creek
Burnt Creek Fire
Steelhead Inn Fire

Photos submitted by Whitnee Hass
Download official Gwen/River Fire photos for media and public use: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9lj3cdltgmogsj0n7dzp5/AFTPzVmZeME7-fa4_Jp_jv0?rlkey=ahwwgm0xlg2kgglz65vdnyg12&st=4mko434u&dl=0

Incident Contact:
Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer Complex
Idaho Department of Lands
208-908-1786
[email protected]

We are tracking the
Please help us inform the public about what you see when it is safe to do so. Upload photos with the link or use the QR Code. Photos will be shared here on Facebook.

https://www.dropbox.com/request/ww8LAX4T2ATvVUfhR6rs

Per Latah County Sheriff's Office:
⚠️Fire evacuation notice for the city of Juliaetta ⚠️
Due to changes in the Gwen Fire, the entire town of Juliaetta is in a level 3 evacuation- go now!

Previous Updates from July 25:

4:51 p.m. PT
Evacuation map posted by https://www.facebook.com/NPCEmergencyManagement
Follow Nez Perce County Emergency Management

Update: 4:30 p.m. PT
The Gwen Fire is now over 2000 acres. It has crossed the Potlach River and along Clearwater River


Time of update: July 25, 4 p.m. Pacific Time
INITIAL REPORTS:
Burning north of the Clearwater River, about 30 miles northeast of Lewiston near Juliaetta, Idaho

EVACUATIONS are in place, there are road closures, initial reports show structures lost. A second fire is approximately 6 miles away.

RESOURCES: Fire crews, engines, dozers, water scoopers, air tankers, helicopters.

GWEN FIRE DETAILS:

Initial Dispatch Report: July 24
Location: South of Juliaetta Idaho, about 30 miles outside Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County ID
Last acreage reported: 1000 acres
Jurisdiction: Nez Perce Reservation, threatening Idaho Department of Lands Forest/Fire Protection areas
Resources/Agencies include: The Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, area rural fire departments, local landowners

***A second fire, the River Fire, reported today, is located on the east end of Arrow Highline Road, west of the town of Myrtle in Latah County along the Clearwater River. Last acreage reported was 2000 acres***

EVACUATION DETAILS:
Source: Latah County Sheriff's Office page
https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO

The Latah County Sheriff's Office has issued LEVEL 3 evacuations:

• 2 Mile Radius from Swallow Lane including all of south Julietta, Idaho
• Myrtle, Arrow Highline Road and Cherry Lane
• State Hwy 3 from Arrow Junction to the Latah County Line, Arrow Highline Rd and all roads/lanes off of it
• Clearwater Ridge and all roads/lanes off of it
• Stony Point and all roads /lanes off of it
• Hubbard Gulch from Cherrylane Road and River
• Road to Leland Road and all roads/lanes off of it

Evacuation Warning - Level 2

McGary Grade, Leland Road, Weischman Road, River Road, Gifford Reubens Rd South to Cottonwood Creek Rd, US Highway 12 from Arrow to Cooks Paradise Acres (MP 26), Cherry Ranch Ln
Highway 3 from milepost 0-9 has been closed by ITD due to a wildfire.

Evacuations are in place for Latah County from Highway 3 & Swallows Lane and everyone about 2 miles from that proximity.

Incident Contact:
Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer Complex
Idaho Department of Lands
208-908-1786
[email protected]

Location Map Source: Watch Duty - Follow incident at: https://share.watchduty.org/i/27723
Idaho Department of Lands PIOs will provide updated information to Watch Duty to support their information sharing.
Evacuation Map Source: Nez Perce County Emergency Management



Idaho Department of Lands Idaho Transportation Department Latah County Sheriff's Office Nez Perce County Emergency Management

Healthy forests are at a lower risk of wildfires. Our sustainable management practices at the Idaho Department of Lands ensure that our forests remain strong and resilient while the trees grow, providing safety for both our landscapes and wildland firefighters.
Learn more at www.idl.idaho.gov.


Associated Logging Contractors - Idaho Idaho Forest Products Commission National Interagency Fire Center

Photo by Robbie Johnson, Idaho Department of Lands, showing young trees growing after a timber harvest with mature trees in the background under blue sky.

Texas Fire – FINAL UPDATE, July 24, 2024, 8:30 AM PT

Size: 1,582 acres Containment: 80% Personnel: 114

***This will be the last update for the Texas Fire unless conditions change.***

Northern Rockies Team 8 will transfer command of the Texas Fire back to the Idaho Department of Lands Thursday, July 25th at 6:00 AM PT. Robbie Easley, a local Type 4 Incident Commander will assume command of the fire along with approximately 50 firefighters.
Approximately 50 firefighters, including 2 crews, 2 engines, and 1 water tender will remain on the incident and continue to patrol the fire area. Firefighters will check on visible smokes and take necessary actions to stop further fire spread.

To read the remainder of the daily update, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/idids-texas-fire

Texas Fire – Update
July 23, 2024, 8:30 AM PT
Size: 1,565 acres Containment: 70% Personnel: 189

Current Situation:
Firefighters completed initial mop-up around the entire fire perimeter, including the eastern spot, working 100 feet
into the black from the fireline. Due to extended hot and dry conditions, many portions of the fireline are supported
by water systems consisting of hose lays, pumps, and sprinklers maintained by fire personnel.

To read the remainder of the daily update, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/idids-texas-fire/texas-fire-current-as-of-07-23-2024

Texas Fire – Update
July 22, 2024, 8:30 AM PT
Size: 1,565 acres Containment: 60% Personnel: 198

Current Situation:
Containment increased to 60% as firefighters made significant progress yesterday securing the fireline. Crews completed initial mop-up for most of the fire area, gridding 100 feet into the black from the fireline, to search for and extinguish lingering heat. Firefighters assigned to the eastern spot completed hose lays three-quarters of the way around the perimeter, with engines working in areas where hose cannot be laid. Yesterday, a snag fell down creating visible smoke from the interior of the eastern spot; crews quickly responded and cooled the area with water. While mop-up operations continue, interior smoke may still be visible from time to time.

To read the remainder of the update, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/idids-texas-fire/texas-fire-current-as-of-07-22-2024

Smokey Bear’s birthday is right around the corner, and there is no better gift than doing your part to prevent unwanted human caused fires.

As I’ve said for nearly 80 years, can prevent wildfires! Practice wildfire prevention and channel your inner Smokey. Remember to use the method when putting out campfires.

*** TEXAS FIRE CONTAINMENT UPDATE ***

Containment is up to 60% on the Texas Fire as firefighters make good progress further securing the perimeter by removing areas of residual heat.

For more information, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-photos-gallery/idids-texas-fire

Caption: Three firefighters conducting mop-up operations. One sprays a hot spot with water, while the other uses a tool to mix around the hot dirt and ash to cool it off with water.

Photo Credit: PJacobson; Division Supervisor, NR Team 8

Texas Fire – Update
July 21, 2024, 8:30 AM PT
Size: 1,575 acres Containment: 20% Personnel: 190

Current Situation:

Containment is up to 20 % as firefighters made good progress yesterday, further securing control line around the fire. Crews and equipment worked from the fire’s edge further into the interior, applying water with engines, portable water bags with hand pumps, and installing hose and sprinkler systems to extinguish any remaining heat. Helicopters assisted firefighters on the ground with bucket drops to cool down areas of hot brushy fuels to allow them to safely engage in mop-up efforts.

To read the rest of the daily update, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-texas-fire

*** TEXAS FIRE CONTAINMENT UPDATE ***

The Texas Fire is now 20% contained, as crews successfully continue mop-up operations.

For more information, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-texas

EVACUATIONS LIFTED - TEXAS FIRE

July 20, 2024 - All evacuations have been lifted and all roads have been opened.

EVACUATIONS LIFTED - TEXAS RIDGE FIRE

As of Saturday, July 20 at 9:38 all evacuations have been lifted and all roads have been opened.

Thank you to all those who have assisted in this fire and for our citizens for being understanding and adapting as we allow crews to fight this fire.

Stay safe Latah County!

Texas Fire – Update
July 20, 2024, 8:30 AM PT
Size: 1,575 acres Containment: 10% Personnel: 189

Current Situation:
Fire activity remains minimal, with very little open flame observed by firefighters yesterday. The fire continues to creep and smolder in areas with heavy brush or a thick layer of duff.

Yesterday, firefighters completed handline around the entire fire perimeter of the eastern spot fire. Mop-up operations continue around the fire’s edge with crews walking up to 200 feet interior to check for smoking debris or hot spots, such as ash pockets or smoldering roots. Aircraft was not utilized on the fire yesterday, as aerial support was not requested by firefighters on the ground.

To read more about the daily update, please visit the Texas Fire InciWeb page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-texas-fire

THE GRANGEVILLE FIRE RESTRICTIONS ZONE IMPLEMENTS STAGE 1

Hot and dry weather conditions have recently continued to cure both live and dead fuels across the landscape in north-central Idaho. This has prompted a decision amongst interagency land managers to implement Fire Restrictions for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area. Fire Wardens and Fire Management Officers from the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protection Association, and the Forest Service have collectively decided to implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area. (see attached map or visit here: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-restrictions-finder/ )

Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to all federal, state, state endowment, private forestland, and rangelands within the designated area.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions go into effect at 12:01 A.M. PDT on Saturday, July 20th. The following acts are prohibited until further notice:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on their own land, and only within an owner-provided fire structure.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Fire danger across Idaho is rising. Know before you go enjoy the recreation opportunities Idaho has to offer and check out our fire restrictions dashboard!

Some areas are in Stage 1 fire restrictions.

Fire Restrictions Finder - Department of Lands Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions help prevent human-caused wildfires. Use our Fire Restrictions Finder map to know before you go!

THE CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA
IMPLEMENT STAGE I RESTRICTIONS

Idaho Department of Lands,the USDA Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management in east-central Idaho will begin Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective at just after midnight (12:01 am) on Friday, July 19, 2024. Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to federal, state, state endowment, private forestland, and rangelands within the designated area.

Fire danger across east-central Idaho is VERY HIGH. Rangelands and forested lands at all elevations are dry. Fire management officials are hopeful that by initiating Stage 1 fire restrictions, there will be fewer human-caused wildland fires.

The Central Idaho Fire Restrictions Area encompasses those portions of Custer County that are north and east of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (excluding the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness) and that portion of Lemhi County that is not federal land designated as wilderness.

Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking. Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except within a designated recreation site, or on their own land, and only within an owner-provided fire structure. Such a fire structure is a permanent metal or concrete improvement specifically designed for the purpose of containing a campfire, or cooking fire provided by the agency, or landowner with a clearance of ten feet on all sides that is free of any flammable vegetation. This does not include a metal fire pan as defined.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Exceptions to the above Stage 1 prohibitions include the following:

Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels. Such devices, including propane campfires, may be used only in an area cleared of flammable material. Persons using a stove fire (defined in the order)

Persons using stove fires with a chimney of at least five (5) feet in length and employing a spark arrester with a maximum mesh screen opening of ¼ inch.

Persons using metal fire pans (see definition*) within ¼ mile of:

a. The Salmon River from the Corn Creek launch site to Vinegar Creek.

b. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

c. The Selway River from the Paradise boat launch to Race Creek.

d. The Snake River from Hells Canyon Dam to the City of Lewiston.

e. Salmon River from Vinegar Creek to its mouth at the Snake River below the

mean high-water mark.

f. South Fork of the Snake River from Palisades Dam to Mike Walker Boat Access.

g. Henry’s Fork of the Snake River from St. Anthony to Mike Walker Boat Access.

*Fire Pan and Ash Removal: An approved fire pan is a durable, metal pan at least 12-inches x 12-inches wide, with at least a 3-inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain a fire and its remains. Visitors must elevate fire pans off the ground to prevent scorching of the soil. If the fire pan does not have legs to elevate it, rocks must be placed underneath the corners of the fire pan. All ash must be removed and carried out of the river corridor in a sealed container or durable bag.

Private landowners using charcoal (disposed of properly) or propane barbecues on their own lands.

Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

Under these restrictions, campfires are allowed only in recreation sites within metal/concrete fire pits. The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant change in fire danger.

UPDATED EVACUATION ZONES - TEXAS RIDGE FIRE

As of 1200 on July 19, 2024, all Level 1 and 2 Evacuation zones for the Texas Ridge Fire have been lifted. Level 3 Evacuation zones have slightly changed from what was previously posted on Monday, July 15.

UPDATED EVACUATION ZONES - TEXAS RIDGE FIRE

As of 1200 on July 19, 2024, all Level 1 and 2 Evacuation zones for the Texas Ridge Fire have been lifted. Level 3 Evacuation zones have slightly changed from what was previously posted on Monday, July 15. A map has been provided for reference.

Level 3 Evacuations are still in effect for the Cedar Creek Canyon area. This includes house on Parsley Dr., Linden Rd., Sister Ln., Elk Ln., and parts of Cedar Ridge Rd.

Update provided from Idaho Department of Lands on 7/19/24 at 8:30 AM PT:

Size: 1,564 acres Containment: 10%

Current Situation:
Fire Operations reported containment at 10% last night, as control lines along portions of the fire are reasonably expected to stop the fire from spreading further. Yesterday, firefighters patrolled constructed fireline, addressing areas of remaining heat and improving fireline as needed. Throughout the day, helicopter-resources assisted firefighters on the-ground with bucket drops to cool areas of active fire, allowing work to occur directly on the fire’s edge. Yesterday, new fire starts within the geographic area re-committed local initial attack resources, including helicopters.

To read the full daily update, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/idids-texas-fire

Texas Fire Update - July 19, 2024, 8:30 AM PT

Size: 1,564 acres Containment: 10%

Current Situation:
Fire Operations reported containment at 10% last night, as control lines along portions of the fire are reasonably expected to stop the fire from spreading further. Yesterday, firefighters patrolled constructed fireline, addressing areas of remaining heat and improving fireline as needed. Throughout the day, helicopter-resources assisted firefighters on the-ground with bucket drops to cool areas of active fire, allowing work to occur directly on the fire’s edge. Yesterday, new fire starts within the geographic area re-committed local initial attack resources, including helicopters.

To read the full daily update, please visit InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-news/idids-texas-fire

It’s and today I want to share that nationally we are in Preparedness Level 5 or PL5.

Why is this important to fire prevention? Because it means that the firefighting resources that we have available nationally for new fire starts are very scarce.

We all need to be extra careful with fire or activities that could cause sparks.🔥

Fire restrictions could be in effect in areas you are visiting this weekend. Be sure to know before you go by checking the IDL fire restrictions finder on our website for Idaho information or with the forest, campground, or public lands where you are headed.

: As of today, July 18, the national has increased to PL5.

Significant wildland fire activity is now occurring in most geographic areas with a high potential for additional large wildland fires to emerge. National resources like hotshot crews, airtankers, smokejumpers and communications equipment, are heavily committed and the National Interagency Coordination Center is coordinating requests for these resources with geographic area coordination centers. Active geographic areas are intensively engaged in prioritization of incidents and reallocation of resources as needed to ensure effective incident operations.

The National Multi-Agency Coordination Group establishes the level throughout the year. Their decision is dictated by fuel and weather conditions, fire activity, and fire suppression resource availability throughout the country. The five preparedness levels range from the lowest (1) to the highest (5). For more information on preparedness levels visit our website here ➡ https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information



📸Photo from the by Southeast Region-Department of Natural Resources.

COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT, JULY 18 AT 6PM

Join Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8 from the Idaho Department of Lands this evening at the Kendrick High School Library at 6:00 PM PT to learn more about current information about the Texas Fire status and ongoing operations.

The Latah County Sheriff's Office will be there to answer questions about evacuations and public safety.

***TEXAS FIRE COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT***

Join Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8 this evening at the Kendrick High School Library at 6:00 PM PT to learn more about current information about the Texas Fire status and ongoing operations.

EDIT: The meeting this evening will not be streamed. Information shared during the meeting will be posted in a video on this page following the meeting. Please feel free to call the Texas Fire information line, staffed from 7:00 AM PT to 7:00 PM PT, if you have any questions. Thank you, Public Information, Northern Rockies Team 8.

InciWeb:

Incidents Page | InciWeb Idids Texas Fire Incident Announcements for Inciweb site.

Texas Fire Update - July 18, 2024, 8:30 AM PT

Size: 1,543 acres Containment: 0%

Northern Rockies Type 3 Incident Management Team 8 assumed command of the Texas Fire today at 6:00 AM PT.

There is a new Fire Information number that will be staffed from 7:00 AM PT to 7:00 PM PT - 208-901-7295

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-texas-fire

🌲While the Trees Grow, Idaho's Forests Thrive!🌲

Healthy, growing forests play a crucial role in reducing wildfire risks. By managing our forests sustainably, we're not only preserving their beauty but also protecting our communities. Plus, Idaho Endowment Land timberlands generate significant funds for Idaho public schools. Proper forest management means less fuel for wildfires, making our homes and natural landscapes safer. Let's celebrate the growth of Idaho's forests and the benefits they bring to our state! 🌲🔥
Learn more at www.idl.idaho.gov

Texas Fire Update 6:00 July 17, 2024

Texas Fire Update July 17, 2024

Boaters, please be aware when out on the lakes. Give our air resources the space they need to do their jobs protecting Idaho!

Attention Boaters!!

Dworshak Reservoir is being used by multiple water scooper aircraft to fight the Texas Fire outside of Kendrick.

To ensure the safety of the firefighting pilots and yourself,m please keep your boat near the shoreline of the reservoir when operating on Dworshak. These planes come in fast and their maneuverability is very limited.
Although they are currently scooping out of the reservoir from the Drift Creek area to the Dent Area, please be aware of your surroundings and steer clear of the center of the reservoir.