JULIAETTA, Idaho – The Gwen Fire that has caused Level 3 (go now) evacuations for the City of Juliaetta has grown to 20,000 acres with additional acreage expected to be burned according to the Idaho Department of Lands (DOL).
The DOL says that the wildfire grew overnight and that an additional acreage estimate is expected due to the lack of containment Saturday morning.
Homes and buildings in the Whitnee Haas area have burned down as approximately 300 people have evacuated.
A shelter has been set up at the Methodist Church in Lapwai and collections for victims were coordinated throughout Saturday.
Nez Perce County Emergency Management still advised Level 3 evacuation levels Saturday morning.
