Ridge Creek Fire still burning

HAYDEN LAKE — Fire crews continue to battle the Ridge Creek Fire, which remained 0% contained Sunday evening.

The fire, which began Thursday and has since grown to more than 1,000 acres in size, is burning 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake, along Hayden Creek Road and in the Ridge Creek drainage to near South Chilco Mountain. Officials said the fire was human-caused and remains under investigation.

Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notifications remain in place on the eastern side of Hayden Lake.

The fire’s behavior has thus far made it impossible for boots on the ground to directly engage the blaze, U.S. Forest Service officials said Sunday afternoon.

Crews have observed crowning, where fire ascends from the ground into the forest canopy and spreads, as well as group tree torching, where multiple trees are engulfed by flame at the same time.

Though little rain has fallen over the burning area, cooler temperatures and increased humidity over the weekend moderated fire behavior.

Officials said this has allowed firefighters to use direct suppression efforts, constructing firelines directly on the fire’s edge and creating an “anchor” on the southwest flank from which they can continue fireline construction.

Resources fighting the blaze include 62 personnel, three crews, five engines and five pieces of heavy equipment. A heavy equipment task force arrived Sunday, which consists of excavators, dozers and a feller buncher.

Aircraft are still using area waterways for fire suppression efforts as they battle multiple fires in the area.

Though Honeysuckle boat launch has reopened, all lake users should be on the lookout for approaching aircraft. If firefighting aircraft are in the area, boaters should clear the center of the lake and move toward the shoreline.

Residents in the area of the Ridge Creek Fire are still advised to consider packing in case they need to evacuate, as well as to create and maintain defensible space and harden their homes against wildfire.