The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office issued a pre-evacuation notice for the Bull Lake area due to increasing fire activity on the Napoleon and Sawtooth fires.

The pre-evacuation notice isn’t an order to evacuate the area, but it is considered a Stage 1 “yellow” condition, according to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Office Thursday afternoon. Authorities are asking residents to be aware of the increased risk and to make preparations to evacuate should it become necessary to do so. People are encouraged to begin planning for evacuation of the area, especially those with special needs, pets, livestock or those requiring additional transportation assistance.

“Considering all of the fire activity countywide, the unpredictability of weather, and the resource variables, early planning is important,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe. “Residents near any fire activity should be making preparations now and staying informed.  Everyone should be asking themselves whether they’re ready to go.”

Notification teams will begin arriving at area homes Friday, Aug. 28 to provide additional pre-evacuation notifications and critical information. Authorities are asking area residents to pass information along to their neighbors and help keep all area residents informed of the situation.

Public meetings regarding the fire situation and potential evacuations will be announced as needed. Written information will be posted in a number of public locations, including Ross Creek Road, Halfway House Bar and the Bull Lake Fire station on Angel Island.

The notice affects “all residences along the Highway 56 corridor south of and including Angel Island along the east and west shore of Bull Lake from mile marker 14.5 to mile marker 20.5 on Highway 56, to include all residences in the Bull Lake Estates and Wilderness View Estates,” according to the press release.

Questions may be directed to the Clark Fork Complex at 406-847-9974 or Lincoln County Emergency Management at 406-293-6295.