Gov. Butch Otter has issued a disaster declaration for Bonner and Kootenai counties due to the destructive Cape Horn fire, which has destroyed multiple homes, consumed more than 2,000 acres and threatened to force evacuation of more than 200 residents. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and individuals who have lost homes in the area,” Otter said in a statement. “We will continue to support the impacted jurisdictions in protecting lives, property and businesses.” You can see the declaration here.

The state disaster declaration makes Idaho eligible for FEMA funding from the Fire Management Assistant Grant to support state and local fire suppression and evacuation costs. Currently, the fire, located on the south end of Lake Pend Oreille, has prompted the issuance of pre-evacuation notices to residents within part of the city of Bayview, along with those already evacuated in the surrounding area; an evacuation center has been set up at Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake.

Reports from 4 a.m. confirmed six homes had been destroyed; other buildings, including outbuildings and boathouses, reportedly have burned as well. You can read our full report here at spokesman.com. 

Meanwhile, two of the four large campgrounds at Farragut State Park were evacuated last night due to fears of falling embers from the blaze, but the other two remain open – and will soon be joined by a fire camp within the park grounds; we have a report here.