The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office issued a “be ready” evacuation order Saturday for residents south of the Clearwater River as the Mile Marker 25 Fire threatened the area east of Lewiston.
The alert was issued at 9:20 a.m. Saturday, affecting the zone near Highway 12 between Lenore and the Cherrylane Bridge. The fire, which ignited Thursday, had grown to an estimated 14 acres by Saturday afternoon.
Highway Closures and Traffic Restrictions
U.S. Highway 12 was closed in both directions Saturday morning between mile markers 21 and 28 due to falling debris from the wildfire. The closure spans the stretch from Cherrylane Bridge to Lenore.
By midday Saturday, authorities modified the closure to allow limited traffic flow. A single-lane, alternating travel pattern was established between mile markers 26 and 27, allowing drivers to pass through under traffic control. However, the full closure remained in effect on the western and eastern approaches to the affected corridor.
Officials had not provided an estimated reopening time for the highway as of Saturday afternoon.
Additional Closures in the Area
Greer Grade was also closed Saturday morning after a separate wildfire broke out Friday evening in that vicinity. The closure added to transportation restrictions affecting the region north and east of Lewiston.
“Be ready” orders are less restrictive than full evacuation orders but require residents to prepare for immediate departure if conditions deteriorate. The designation allows people to remain in their homes while maintaining readiness to leave on short notice.
What Comes Next
Residents in the affected area should monitor updates from the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency management. Anyone under a “be ready” order should prepare an evacuation plan, gather important documents and medications, and stay tuned to emergency alerts. Travelers should avoid Highway 12 in the affected area and use alternate routes until closures are lifted and conditions improve. Fire crews will continue working to contain the Mile Marker 25 Fire and assess safety conditions along the highway corridor.