Ridge Creek Fire grows to 3,200 acres
The Ridge Creek Fire north of Hayden Lake has burned for two weeks and is believed to be human-caused. ANGELA GOLDMAN/Eastern Area Incident Management Team
COEUR d'ALENE — The Ridge Creek Fire burning on the northern tip of Hayden Lake has grown to more than 3,200 acres and was 12% contained Thursday afternoon.
The fire’s growth since Wednesday lowered containment, which was previously calculated to be 15%, but officials said perimeters have remained stable in recent days.
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 homes against flying embers.
With the Ridge Creek Fire growing and weather conditions working against crews, Kootenai County commissioners Leslie Duncan and Bruce Mattare met briefly Thursday to declare a countywide fire disaster.
Emergency declarations provide support for state and local efforts during disasters or crises, such as wildfires or windstorms. They open up funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse local entitles, as well as activate the response of intergovernmental agencies.
“We feel that we have a long wildfire season ahead of us and we have seen that strain on some of those resources,” said Tiffany Westbrook, director of the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management. “This declaration would help us to expedite this conversation should we have another flare up like we saw on Sarah Loop or Parkway to address needs as they arise.”
Due to high temperatures, gusty winds and dry conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the Idaho Panhandle, expected to last through Friday evening. Active fire behavior and visible smoke are likely while the warning is in effect.
A total of 459 personnel were assigned to the fire as of Thursday, as well as 15 engines and 10 pieces of heavy equipment.
Operational staff anticipate the use of aircraft again, especially in the northeast area of the fire. Recreational boaters are likely to see helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft using Hayden Lake for fire suppression efforts Friday.
All lake users should be on the lookout for approaching aircraft, officials said. If firefighting aircraft are in the area, boaters should clear the center of the lake and move toward the shoreline.