Upscale Idaho town threatened by fire, residents urged to flee homes

BAYVIEW, Idaho (AP) — Idaho fire managers are urging hundreds of residents to leave their homes in an upscale lakeside community threatened by wildfire.

The blaze has destroyed at least six homes and already forced about 200 people to evacuate from Bayview, a small town on Lake Pend Oreille (PAHN'-duh-ray), a recreation and fishing destination in the Idaho panhandle.

Officials on Monday recommended the rest of the town immediately evacuate as strong winds, rising temperatures and low humidity threatened to fan the flames later in the day.

A high school will serve as an emergency shelter for the area, which is made up of a mix of year-round residences and seasonal homes.

Authorities say the fire started near the lake shore and burned upslope through timber. It has scorched about 3 square miles.