Ridge Creek Fire grows to 1,000 acres
HAYDEN LAKE — The Ridge Creek Fire has grown to 1,062 acres and was human-caused, Forest Service officials said Saturday.
The fire, which grew 600 to 700 acres overnight, is 0% contained and burning 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake, along the Hayden Creek Road and in the Ridge Creek drainage.
Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notifications remain in place on the eastern side of Hayden Lake.
Residents in that area are advised to consider packing in case they need to evacuate. Officials also urge residents to create and maintain. Defensible space and harden their homes against flying embers.
Resources battling the blaze include 60 personnel, five engines, five pieces of heavy equipment, three water tenders and one hand crew.
"Investigators have determined that the fire was human-caused," a press release said.
It did not state how the fire started and a spokesperson said Saturday evening it remains under investigation.
Air resources from across the Northwest continued to assist today. Handline construction also continued in the Ridge Creek drainage at the heel of the fire, officials said, holding an important piece from westward growth.
The retardant line from the 406 road down to Hells Gulch was holding as of Saturday morning.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office advises boaters to stay off Hayden Lake until further notice so firefighting aircraft can safely operate. Public access boat launches are closed.
Fire managers were monitoring any wind shifts that accompany expected thunderstorms. The elevated relative humidity and possible precipitation could provide aid to suppression efforts.
