BAYVIEW, Idaho (AP) — A wildfire in northern Idaho has destroyed at least six homes and forced about 300 residents in the upscale lakeside community of Bayview to evacuate as it ballooned to more than 3 square miles Monday.

Flames have burned through a mix of year-round residences and seasonal homes near the southern shore of Lake Pend Oreille (pahn doh-RAY').

Officials feared the only two roads in and out of town would get clogged if everyone tried to leave at once.

A high school will serve as an emergency shelter for the area about 70 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington.

Gov. Butch Otter declared Kootenai and Bonner counties a disaster emergency area Monday, a necessary step in securing federal funds.

Eight air tankers, three helicopters and eight engines are helping to battle the fire.

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