Homes being evacuated, schools on standby as fire continues to advance

FIRTH — Homes are being evacuated and Firth schools are on standby as wind continues to push the Lavaside Fire north.

Homes along 700 N and on West River Dr. are being evacuated to the Firth Elementary School. The Firth High School and Middle School are on standby with busses ready roll if the fire continues to advance northward.

“Fire command, they’re monitoring the fire with us. They said right now we are not in any danger, but we’ve get everything prepared to go,” Firth Superintended Basil Morris said.

The Shelley/Firth rural fire district, the Blackfoot Fire Department, BLM and the Idaho Falls Fire Department are all working together to get control of the fire.