HAYDEN LAKE, Idaho —
RIDGE CREEK FIRE
The Ridge Creek Fire sparked on Aug. 3, 2023 at 2:30 PM in the Ridge Creek drainage, approximately three miles east of the northern tip of Hayden Lake. Investigators have determined that the fire was human-caused.
Fast facts
- Location: Approximately 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake
- Approximate size: 4,474 acres
- Containment: 51%
- Crews fighting the fire: 270
- Cause: Human caused
All evacuations for the Ridge Creek Fire have been lifted according to the Kootenai County Sheriff.
Hayden Lake and the Honeysuckle boat launch are open after it was shut down to help crews with the U.S. Forest Service - Idaho Panhandle National Forests respond to a wildfire near Hayden Lake.
KCEM advises any residents who see any aircraft in the area to stay away as crews continue to fight the fire.
The fire has burned around 4,474 acres. As of August 31, the fire is 49% contained. Investigators have determined that the fire was human-caused and it is still under investigation.
In an update late Friday night, officials said fire crews were able to make important progress with laying hose and conducting checking actions in the Hells Gulch area on the southeast flank.
On Saturday, handline construction will continue in the Ridge Creek drainage at the heel of the fire, holding an important piece from any westward growth.
Air resources from across the northwest will continue their assistance. Fire managers will be keeping a close eye on the weather on Saturday for any wind shifts that accompany the thunderstorms, but the elevated relative humidity (RH ) and possible precipitation could provide some much-needed aid to suppression efforts.
Kootenai County Emergency Management announced that citizen inquiry lines have been set up to help alleviate non-emergent calls from going to dispatch regarding the Ridge Creek Fire. Citizen inquiry can be reached at 208-446-2292.
They say aerial firefighting planes will be accessing the lake for water.
According to officials, the "Ridge Creek" fire was confirmed sometime Thursday afternoon. It is located around 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake and north of Hayden Creek Road in the Ridge Creek drainage.
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