Single Publication

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three

Bill Waln, Incident Commander

Location: 5 miles east of Lapwai, Idaho                       
Date Reported: July 24, 2024                                                     
Cause: Lightning
Size: 28,820 acres                                                           
Containment: 90%                                                                                          
Total Personnel: 194

This will be the final update for the Gwen Fire. RM CIMT Team Three extends our sincere gratitude for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We appreciate your support and thank you for welcoming us into your community.

Significant information pertaining to final containment efforts and post-fire operations will be provided on the Idaho Department of Lands Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IdahoDepartmentofLands.

Current Situation: 

• RM CIMT Team Three will transfer management of the fire to a local Type 4 incident commander this evening at 6:00 p.m. Firefighting resources, including four engines, a water tender and a fireline medic, will remain to support mop up and patrol operations.
• The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) above the Gwen Fire was lifted yesterday, Aug. 2, at 12:00 p.m. A TFR restricts non-mission aircraft (including drones) from operating without permission over the fire area. This clears the airspace and allows aviation resources to focus on their specific flight patterns without interference and the potential for life-threatening incursions.
• Expect delays on Highway 3 as the local power company continues their work to replace power poles and repair powerlines in their efforts to restore power to the communities impacted by the fire. 
• Be cautious when traveling through burned areas as rain and/or wind may cause rocks and debris to roll downslope to fall on roadways.
• Expect to see isolated smoke in interior pockets as fuels smolder over the next few weeks.
• Dry weather and recent extreme temperatures have helped material burn more quickly, which contributed to the rapid containment of this fire. 
• Exercise extreme caution in burned areas as they present significant hazards. Smoldering stumps and roots can hold heat and create ash pits, damaged and destabilized trees can fall, rocks and other debris can dislodge and roll down steep slopes, and burned structures will have toxic chemicals in the smoke. 

Air Quality Information: Smoke from numerous wildfires burning in the Northwest can impact local air quality. Please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for resources on smoke and air quality.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Today will be slightly cooler but still reach into the low 100s. High clouds will increase as monsoonal moisture moves in from the south. Light north to northeast winds at 4-9 mph will shift to the west at 4-8 mph between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., then shift to the northwest at 7-13 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

Closures: All roads and highways are open to the public.  

GWEN FIRE INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline: (208) 908-1786                                                            
Email: rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov
Facebook: @IdahoDepartmentofLands     
InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-2024-gwen-fire