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: 28,410 acres                                                           Containment: 85%                                                                                          Total Personnel: 242

RM CIMT Team Three will transfer command to a local Type 4 incident command tomorrow (Saturday, August 3, 2024) evening at 6:00 p.m. Firefighting resources will remain to continue mop up and patrol operations.

Expect to see isolated smoke in interior pockets as fuels smolder over the next several weeks. Occasional flare ups may occur and be visible until fuels are fully consumed. These sites are in steep areas with difficult access, or they are surrounded by previously burned material. They have been thoroughly evaluated and do not pose a threat.

Current Situation: (Refer to the map for Division locations)

• NIROPS (National Infrared Operations), used infrared equipped aircraft to survey the fire last night. The data was consistent with known hotspots, none of which pose a concern or threat.
• Isolated and scarce areas of heat remain, primarily near the Division F- Z break along highway 12. They will be visible and produce smoke until fuels are fully consumed.
• An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect. Firefighters could experience temperatures of up to 112 degrees in canyons where radiant heat is trapped. This is actually a benefit to firefighters in that any remaining hot spots will become more active allowing firefighters to mop them up.
• Today, crews from Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Three will continue to monitor and secure the fire perimeter and road corridors in preparation for a transfer of command.
• The incident management team has been working closely with local resources and agencies throughout the incident. The team will leave resources in place to ensure a smooth and safe transition. 

Please continue to check with your local Sheriff’s Office. Fire hazards are still a possibility in these areas. 

• Latah County Sheriff’s Office: (208) 882-2216
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatahCountySO
• Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office: 
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NezPerceCountySheriffsOffice.
• Nez Perce County Emergency Management Interactive Evacuation Map: https://bit.ly/3yewVv0

Air Quality Information: Please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/ for resources on smoke and air quality. Air quality monitors indicate unhealthy for sensitive groups in the Lapwai area. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect, with temperatures in excess of 110 degrees forecasted. Winds out of the east will be steady at 8 mph with gusts to 15 mph. Minimum humidity around 13 percent.

Closures: All roads and highways are open to the public.  Hazards remain along the highway, please use extreme caution when traveling in and around the fire area. 

GWEN FIRE INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline: (208) 843-3534 (Time: 7am-7pm)                           Email: 2024.Gwen@firenet.gov

Facebook: @IdahoDepartmentofLands    InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idids-2024-gwen-fire