United States Forest Service fire management officer Dan Rose confirmed Wednesday that evacuations from private residences had been ordered in the Bull River Valley in response to growing wildfires.

The decision was made by the Sanders County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Emergency Services Office.

"The Napoleon fire has experienced significant growth," Rose said. "It moved down the mountain near private property."

The evacuated area lies between mile markers eight and 14 along Highway 56 in Sanders County. A Red Cross emergency shelter has been established at Noxon High School.