Bunco area upgraded to Level 2 evacuation status

The Bunco area near the Ridge Creek Fire was upgraded Friday to a Level 2 "Get Set" evacuation status, and the Level 1 "Get Ready" zone has been expanded.

"The fire is expected to become more visible to residents in the Bunco area. Fire personnel are aware of this and are actively engaged with the fire and monitoring the situation closely," said a social media post by the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management.

The evacuation status change was made due to high winds, the existing red flag warning and "out of an abundance of caution," the post said.

Hayden residents remain in Level 1 "Get Ready" status and no changes have been made to that area.

GET SET (Level 2) – means that you are alert to a significant threat in your area, that you are packed to leave and prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if you must evacuate. If you have livestock or special circumstances you have begun to take the necessary steps to address these concerns and made arrangements to relocate livestock if necessary.

GET READY (Level 1) – The Ridge Creek Fire is in your area and it would be wise to consider planning and or packing in the event an evacuation becomes necessary. Residents are urged to create and maintain a defensible space and harden their home against the potential for wildfire. No additional action is needed.

Call 208-446-2292 for information, only call 911 for emergencies. Continue to monitor official sources for the most accurate information. https://www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management

Evacuation of Livestock:

The North Idaho State Fair is going on at Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Call the following contact to let them know what type of animal and how many animals before arriving.

• Kootenai County Fairgrounds: Greg Bennett (208) 446-4678

Kootenai County Fairgrounds has 50 Horse stalls available for Goats or Horses

• Boundary County Fairgrounds:

Please call Jody Stoddard to coordinate livestock. Will need to know what type of animal and how many animals before arriving:

Boundary County Fairgrounds Office: 208-267-7041

Jody Stoddard Home: 208-267-8632

Cell: 509-786-9593

• Spokane County Fairgrounds:

Accepting livestock. The address is: 404 N Havana Street, Suite 1

Spokane Valley, WA 99202

Erin's Cell: 509-435-3341

• Newport Rodeo Grounds has space for livestock at 1101 W. First St. Newport, Wash. If you have resources or the ability to transport livestock please post in the comments.