SANDPOINT — A wildfire in southern Bonner County has destroyed several structures and forced dozens of residents to be evacuated, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.

In an update just after 8 p.m., IDL officials said three structures were lost to the quickly moving wildfire, estimated to be more than 675 acres. In addition, the moving wildfire northeast of Athol forced the evacuation of residents on Sunset and Little Blacktail roads in southern Bonner County and caused many others to be placed on notice of possible evacuation.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office put Bayview into "Ready" status for evacuation in case winds shift the fire.

"Winds are making suppression efforts a challenge for firefighters, as well as unpredictable fire behavior and visibility due to the smoke,"

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