FEMA authorizes federal grant to fight Idaho's Gwen Wildfire

UPDATE (July 26, 12:45 pm) : The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to fight the Gwen Fire burning in the Nez Perce Reservation and in Nez Perce and Latah counties, Idaho.

When Idaho officials made the request for federal funds, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Juliaetta, Myrtle, Arrow Junction, Lenore, and the city of Lapwai. The fire also threatened private and nonprofit public utilities and critical community infrastructure such as roads, bridges, public businesses and recreational areas.

This authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75% of eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for fighting and controlling designated fires.

Another $985,111 will be available to Idaho through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards, such as flood after fire or erosion.

UPDATE (July 25, 9:44 pm) : The Gwen and River fires are being measured at 2,000 acres each, prompting closures and evacuations.

The Idaho Transportation Department is alerting drivers in the area to a major closure on SH-3 from SH-3 Southbound to McGary Grade. All lanes are closed.

In the same area, another major closure on US-12 is stopping traffic in both directions from US-95 to Big Canyon Rd.

The Latah County Sheriff's Office has released a map with updated evacuation levels (below) for the surrounding cities.

Residents of Nez Perce County can find the evacuation information for the county on their interactive evacuation map page .

Evacuation relief sites for those effected by 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 Rd.

July 24th the Gwen fire was reported south of Juliaetta Idaho. The report came in just 30 miles outside of Lewiston near State Highway 3 in Latah County.

The Gwen fire has reached just over 2,000 acres near the Clearwater River.

The agencies included in helping subdue the fire are, The Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, area rural fire departments, and local landowners. Evacuations are in place with road closures, with some structure loss. The resources on hand are some fire crews, engines, dozers, water scoopers, air tankers, and helicopters.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LANDS