ATHOL, Idaho — Updated 9:30 p.m. – Some evacuations have been lowered for the wildfire burning near Athol on Monday night, according to Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 9 p.m. on September 8, BCSO said all Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuations for the “Sage Brush Fire” have been lowered to Level 1 (GET READY). The affected area includes: Sta off Mi Rd, Candle Hill Rd, Sagebrush Way, Parkwood Dr, Zeeland Rd, Rain Dr, Angelwood lane.
All previously issued Level 1 (GET READY) evacuations remain in effect for the following areas: Rocksprings, Doe Run, Hatchet Ln, Genesis Ln, Trails End, Misty Meadows, Rodeo Rd, Resort Rd.
BCSO said all Level 1 and Level 3 evacuations will stay in place until Tuesday morning.
Firefighters will patrol near the fire for structure protection and Idaho Department of Lands fire crews will work the forest area through the night.
Updated 5:10 p.m. – An animal evacuation center is now open for the wildfire burning near Athol on Monday evening, according to Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.
Certain animals in need of evacuation from the 20-acre “Sage Brush Fire” burning near Athol can be taken to the Bonner County Fairgrounds on Monday evening.
The following animals are eligible for evacuation: Rabbits, goats, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, alpacas, and llamas (space permitting).
Birds, dogs, cats, reptiles and specialty pets are not permitted.
Owners are responsible for all evacuated animals general care, medicine, feed and food and water receptacles. Water is available at the fairgrounds at no cost.
Check in hours are from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the fair office. Outside of those hours, please call 208-920-9680.
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Updated at 4:35 p.m. – According to officials, the fire has grown to 20 acres. Firefighters are making progress, but the situation remains dynamic.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area. Residents nearby should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
Level 2 ‘GET SET’ evacuations have been issued for residents living in the area of Old House Rd.
BCSO and authorities are contact residences in the area.
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ORIGINAL
Fire crews are responding to a vegetation fire near Sagebrush Way in Athol, prompting evacuations and a coordinated response from multiple agencies.
Level 3 ‘GO NOW’ evacuations have been issued for residents living on Sta off Mi Rd, Candle Hill Rd, Sagebrush Way, Parkwood Dr, Zeeland Rd, Rain Dr, Angelwood lane.
Level 1 ‘GET READY’ evacuations have been issued for residents living on Rocksprings, Doe Run, Hatchet Ln, Genesis Ln, Trails End, Misty Meadows, Rodeo Rd, Resort Rd.
According to the Selkirk Fire Department (SKFD), the fire is currently estimated at approximately 5 acres with a slow rate of spread.
The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and other authorities are contacting residents directly in the affected area.
An evacuation center has been set up at Real Life Ministries Church, 30447 Rough Stock Road (at Rough Stock Road and Highway 54) in Athol.
“This is a dynamic situation,” fire officials said in a statement. “Please stay alert and be ready to leave if you are in the impacted area.”
For updates and additional information, residents are encouraged to visit: https://nixle.us/GM5RM.
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