Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton has announced that due to the new Nelson Fire in the West Fork area, all residents of Nez Perce Road, west of West Fork Road are now in an Evacuation Warning area. Sheriff’s Deputies and West Fork Fire personnel are now going door to door to warn residents that an evacuation might be necessary. The Warning includes residents of Bear Hollow Court, Fox Lane, West Fox Lane, Lapwai Lane and West Lapwai Lane.
Sheriff Holton said the Nelson Fire was discovered Monday afternoon (8/28) and quickly assessed and staffed by USFS and West Fork Firefighters. The fire grew to approximately 50 acres Monday night, and is currently approximately 1 mile from the nearest structure. Sheriff Holton asked residents that are being warned to prepare to evacuate quickly should an order be issued. Sheriff Holton said that after speaking with fire officials and the West Fork Fire Chief, the decision to issue the warning was made to give residents some time to move livestock, pets, and personal property before an Evacuation Order became necessary. Sheriff Holton added that people with special health concerns or other needs should evacuate during the warning stage.
The Nelson Fire situation and conditions are being continuously monitored for potential changes to the warning status. Sheriff Holton encouraged all residents to sign-up to receive AlertSense Emergency Notifications by following the link on the free Ravalli County Sheriff’s app for mobile devices or the Ravalli County website. AlertSense users will be able to receive electronic and landline phone calls to alert residents of Evacuation Orders.