The Flathead County Office of Emergency Services Thursday night issued an evacuation warning for residents in the North Fork that are in line of the Hay Creek Fire.

The warning area begins at approximately the gravel pit north of Polebridge, including residents accessing their home from Long Bow Trail, and follows the North Fork Road up to Red Meadow Road, then extends West. The warning also includes residents on the north side of Red Meadow Road.

“An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property. This warning is issued to give residents time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Residents and visitors who require additional time to evacuate or need to move pets or livestock are advised to begin the evacuation process now,” the department said.

There are several residences that are in the potential path of the fire.

There is currently an area closed around the fire from Forest Road 5241 north to the Red Meadow Road to the Whitefish Divide. That includes the trails in between. The main North Fork Road remains open.