A rapidly spreading wildfire in Hatwai Canyon forced partial closure of U.S. Highway 95 on Thursday afternoon, August 27, affecting travel between Lewiston and Genesee as firefighting crews mobilized across the region.
The Mile Marker 320 Fire, located approximately 8 miles north of Lewiston and 7 miles south of the Genesee turnoff, had burned roughly 80 acres by late Thursday and remained uncontained. Initial reports indicated flames reaching more than 20 feet in height as the fire advanced across the canyon terrain.
Evacuation Alert and Highway Impact
The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office issued a “ready” evacuation notice for residents in the immediate area, meaning residents should monitor the situation closely and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen. The evacuation zone extended along U.S. Highway 95 from mile marker 317 to Evans Road, then east on Evans Road to Archibald Road, and back to mile marker 317.
The fire threatened approximately 15 structures in the evacuation zone. Authorities advised drivers to exercise extreme caution while traveling the affected highway corridor and to watch for firefighting personnel and emergency vehicles operating in the area.
Firefighting Response
A coordinated response mobilized nearly 80 firefighting personnel from multiple agencies, including the Nez Perce Tribe, U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and Genesee Rural Fire Department. Resources deployed to the fire included helicopters, single-engine air tankers, two hand crews, and eight engines. Crews were actively dropping water and fire retardant on the blaze in efforts to slow its spread.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation as of Thursday evening.
What Comes Next
Residents and travelers in the Hatwai Canyon area should expect ongoing traffic disruptions and continued emergency activity along Highway 95. Those in the evacuation zone should remain alert for updates from the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office and be prepared to relocate if conditions escalate. Firefighting operations are expected to continue through the coming days as crews work to contain and suppress the blaze.
For updates on highway conditions and evacuation status, residents can contact local law enforcement or monitor official county emergency management channels. More information on recent wildfires in the region is available through local news sources.