LAPWEI, Idaho – Idaho Governor Brad Little met with community members in Lapwei Thursday afternoon, one of the communities that offered refuge to numerous victims of the devastating Gwen and Texas Fires.
Both fires are at or nearing 100% containment as of the last update. The estimated cost of suppression efforts for both is over $8 million.
“Property damage for the Gwen Fire consisted of 38 primary residences, 20-25 houses, and 13 RVs,” said Idaho Department of Lands Ponderosa supervisory area manager Chris Tretter.
The Texas Fire destroyed four homes.
“I was struck flying over the miles and miles of fire line that have been put on by the local fire (and) farmers,” Gov. Little said. “Had they not done that, this fire would have been enormously larger.”
Local farmers and first responders credited by the governor for preventing this fire from becoming much more devastating.
Robert Blair is a local farmer who shared his concerns, specifically a major lesson for his community of spreading misinformation on social media.
Another area of concern was looting on properties lost in the flames.
“Just as people help their neighbor during the fire, I would ask people out there to help your neighbor by being vigilant of any (looting) that is happening,” Gov. Little said. “We don’t condone that in any shape or form. In fact, just because a piece of real estate has been burned over and there’s metal left doesn’t mean it no longer belongs to the land owner.”
Gov. Little acknowledged the long recovery the area has ahead, saying he is working with other state officials to get the people the help they need.
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