53 firefighters battle blaze near Hayden Lake

HAYDEN LAKE — More than 50 firefighters were battling a 5-acre forest fire east of Hayden Lake on Thursday.

The Horse Ridge Fire near Mokins Bay was reported about 3 p.m. Wednesday. It is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike a couple of weeks ago that smoldered before it ignited into a large fire.

No injuries have been reported and no structures have been lost.

Sharla Arledge, Idaho Department of Lands spokeswoman, said aircraft known as amphibious water scoopers and helicopters were called in to try and douse the blaze.

Both attracted attention Wednesday as they swooped in on Hayden Lake for water, then dropped it on the fire.

The planes are capable of delivering 800 gallons of water in a single drop, while the helicopter can handle about 300 gallons.

A helicopter remained in action Thursday.

Arledge said the fire did not grow overnight. Because the terrain was difficult to access, 53 fighters with IDL and the U.S. Forest Service were flown in via helicopter for the ground attack.

The Forest Service land is under the fire protection of the IDL.

Late on Thursday, crews had completed fire lines around 85% of the fire.

Meantime, IDL investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying the cause of a July 4 fire above Kidd Island beach.

Crews from IDL, Mica Kidd Fire District, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and East Side Fire District responded to the 1.5-acre blaze with fire boats and two helicopters.

Passengers on nearly 200 boats watched crews in action and may hold the key to the investigation, according to an IDL press release.

“If you were near the Kidd Island beach on the Fourth of July, prior to about 4 p.m., please contact us. Tell us if you saw anything suspicious or anyone in the area who may have started the fire,” said Scott Burnside, IDL fire investigator.

He said IDL is trying to obtain photos which may have been taken shortly after the fire ignited.

IDL’s fire investigation team can be reached at 208-666-8697. Photos can be emailed to sburnside@idl.idaho.gov.