Rain gives wildfire firefighters an assist
Fighters used handtools to extinguish hot spots in areas surrounding private structures.
Photo courtesy of the Northeast Region Department of Natural Resources
Containment percentages leapt higher on the Ridge Creek, Gray and Oregon Road fires Wednesday, with the help of significant rainfall and increased humidity.
Ridge Creek Fire
Containment of the Ridge Creek Fire increased to 45% with most hot spots to the interior and firelines holding.
Residents in the Bunco area are still under “Ready” evacuation status.
Significant rainfall and cooler temperatures are expected to help firefighting for several days.
Firefighters continue to mop up and patrol, checking for heat that may threaten the line.
Fire personnel continue to strengthen indirect firelines on the southeast portion of the fire along Roads 437 and 1507. Masticators and graders continue work on the 385 Road, and a chipping operation continues along Bunco Road.
Structure protection continues in the Nunn Road, Bunco Road and Hayden Lake communities. Initial-attack firefighters are available to respond to any new starts in the surrounding area.
The perimeter of the Ridge Creek fire is 22.3 miles, with 10.5 miles considered contained. Crews have completed 39.4 miles of direct and indirect firelines. Air resources have dropped 270,000 gallons of water and 143,000 gallons of retardant.
Despite improved weather, unauthorized burning remains prohibited throughout the Panhandle.
Gray Fire
The Gray Fire in Medical Lake had nearly a quarter-inch of rain, coupled with sharply cooler temperatures that significantly reduced fire potential.
The fire, which burned just over 10,000 acres, was 91% contained on Wednesday.
Roughly 450 personnel are working on the Gray Fire to conduct mop-up and rehabilitation work in the burned areas.
Rehabilitation work can include dead tree removal of ground repairs on firelines and perimeter grading.
Through Wednesday, steady rains impacted the Gray Fire before tapering off in the afternoon, with possible humidity or rain predicted this morning.
Evacuation orders are set at Ready, encouraging residents to use caution and be aware of ongoing fire dangers, including damaged trees.
Oregon Road Fire
The Oregon Road incident management team was able to stride toward total suppression for the Oregon Road Fire in Elk as nearly an inch of rain fell across the burn area.
Most sections of the fire are transitioning from mop-up activities to being patrolled.
The fire burned over 10,000 acres and as of Wednesday was 79% contained.
All evacuations in the area have been lifted.