Ridge Creek Fire grows to 2,400 acres

The Ridge Creek Fire burning on the northern tip of Hayden Lake has grown to 2,400 acres and was 5% contained Friday afternoon.

The fire, which was human-caused and remains under investigation, was last estimated to be 1,200 to 1,500 acres in size. Officials said the dramatic acreage increase is primarily because of updated mapping, rather than recent fire growth.

After weather conditions and resource constraints prevented infrared flights for nearly a week, a helicopter flight mapped the fire’s perimeter Thursday.

Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notices are in place for residents in the vicinity of Bunco Road and Hayden Lake. That means residents should keep up with fire information, be familiar with evacuation procedures and harden their homes against flying embers.

Residents can call 208-446-2292 with questions about evacuations.

Fire is expected to increase next week as the weather gets warmer and drier, particularly on the south-facing slopes. Smoke is likely to be visible.

“The forecasted hot, dry, windy weather will be a test of the good work that has been done on the ground by firefighters and heavy equipment operators,” officials said in a news release Friday.

A total of 338 personnel were assigned to the fire Friday, along with six engines and six pieces of heavy equipment.

Hand crews and dozers continue to work on the south end of the fire along Hayden Creek Road, east through Hells Canyon to Forest Service Road 406 and up to Hudlow Saddle.

Crews continue to improve a fire line through Sage Creek Saddle on the fire’s northeastern side. On the fire’s west flank, crews are reinforcing North Fork Road. Crews are constructing a fire line along a forested ridge to Forest Service Road 406 near Cedar Saddle.

Additional containment line is also being constructed using Buckles Mountain Road and along Ridge Creek to Hayden Creek Road.