Residents along the Sterling Highway are allowed to return to their homes as the flames die down, but that doesn’t rule out a future evacuation in that area.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, but return home if you feel that’s the appropriate action for your family.
Original Report:
Brad Nelson with Borough Emergency Management Services has said they are evacuating Mile 103 to 105 of the Sterling Highway at this time.
This is an evacuation order not an advisory.
Michelle Weston with the Division of Forestry joined us live on the air…
Weston went over important items for people to remember while evacuating.
Weston: “As you are leaving the area, it is very important to have your lights on because it may be smoky. Right now you should take five things that are most important to you: your pictures, your papers, any pets, any perscriptions you may need and your photos. I talked to a woman who had done an evacuation and had 10 minutes to leave in Monatna and she told me the best thing she wished she had taken was her laundry basket of dirty clothes because she didn’t have anything in the end, so when people are walking out the door and you see that laundry basket of dirty clothes, that’s usually your favorite clothes so why not grab that too. So just take care and caution in leaving, when you’re leaving please drive respectfully and also keep your lights on.”
Authorities are reporting the evacuation from Cardwell Road to Heavy Down Drive and all in between.
Emergency services went door to door in the affected area, informing residents.