MYRTLE, Idaho – Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations have been issued for the 2,000-acre River Fire near Myrtle.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the fire started when lightning struck trees and brush on Wednesday, July 25. The fire, now 2,000 acres in size, is spreading due to windy conditions.
The fire is located at the east end of Arrow Highline Road, west of Myrtle in Latah County, along the Clearwater River.
Shelters have also been set up for the people and livestock affected by the fire. For Latah County, the Latah County Fair and Events Center is the evacuation relief center. Other evacuation relief centers are Troy High School and the LDS Church off of Big Meadow Road. For residents in Nez Perce affected by the fires, the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds is open for shelter as well but RV hook ups only avaa at this time
In an emergency alert to NonStop Local Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in place for:
2-mile radius of Swallow Lane.Myrtle, Arrow Highline Road and Cherry Lane.State Hwy 3 from Arrow Junction to the Latah County Line, Arrow. Highline Road 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.West of Highway 99 up to Bethel Road.
Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are issued for the following areas:
McGary Grade.Myrtle Area.Gifford Reubens Road – south 3 miles from US Highway 12.Leland Road.Weischman Road. US Highway 12 from Arrow Junction to Cooks Paradise Acres.River Road and all lanes / roads off of it.
Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuations are issued for the following areas:
North Tom Beall Road Cottonwood Creek DrainageUS Highway 12 to LenoreRiver Road to LenoreLeland Road to LelandJuliaetta Area – Latah and Nez Perce County
Level 3 evacuation indicates a “Go Now” status, meaning immediate danger is affecting your area, and you should leave without delay or time to pack.
Editor’s note: The River Fire and Gwen Fire have the evacuation notices due to their close proximity.
