LACLEDE — Wildfire season has arrived in Bonner County.

The fire, located on Manley Creek Road in the Laclede area, was reported about 2:41 p.m. after a structure fire spread into the surrounding vegetation, according to Selkirk Fire & Rescue officials. 

“Today’s fire highlights how susceptible the local vegetation is to fire spread," Selkirk Fire Chief Jeff Armstrong said. "It’s concerning to see spot fires and this type of behavior so early into fire season." 

Idaho Department of Lands officials said its crews responded to a mutual aid request from Selkirk Fire at about 3:40 p.m. 

The structure contained diesel fuel and propane tanks, posing a danger to crews on the scene, IDL officials said in a press release.

The fire quickly spread into nearby vegetation and prompted the Bonner County Sheriff's Office to place residents on both Upper and Lower Manley Creek roads on "Ready" status for roughly two hours Tuesday afternoon.

Under the "Ready" status, the first of three stages in the under the Ready-Set-Go evacuation protocol, residents are advised to have a plan to evacuate if necessary. Under the "Set" status, residents are advised to begin putting their plan into place. Under "Go" status, residents are told to leave immediately due to an imminent threat.

Evacuation shelters at the Laclede Community Church and Laclede Community Center were briefly opened before being closed when the evacuation notice was lifted at about 6:15 p.m.

Selkirk Fire officials said the structure fire was reported about 2:41 p.m. with the building fully involved and  when fire crews arrived on the scene. Northside and Idaho Department of Lands firefighters responded to assist with fighting the fire with IDL assuming command of the fire early Tuesday evening. 

"We are grateful for the excellent relationship we have with IDL and Bonner County Emergency Management," Armstrong said. "It provides a critical communication link when dealing with dynamic incidents like today’s fire.”

When reported, the fire was estimated at about 1 acre with the fire growing to about 5 acres by 5 p.m. with the potential of more than one wildland fire burning in the area with the fire having spread to multiple structures and vehicles, Selkirk officials said.

A Type 2 helicopter is working the fire along with five IDL engines. Additional local resources are also assisting.

All IDL fire investigator is en route to this fire to investigate the fire, as is standard with all IDL fires.