The Ridge Creek Fire was reported on 8/3 at 2:30 PM, burning in the Ridge Creek area, approximately three miles east of the northern tip of Hayden Lake.

At initial size-up, the fire was 5-10 acres, burning in heavy timber.  However, by 6:00 PM, air resources already estimated the fire to be 100-150 acres, spreading primarily up-drainage to the northeast, pushed by southwest winds aligning with the drainage. The fire is burning on both sides of FSR437 (Hayden Creek Road), necessitating an emergency closure order of that road. The current estimation is 300-400 acres, air resources will provide undated estimates as they are able to get into the air in the morning.

Ten interagency aircraft were engaged on the fire by 4:00 PM until dark, including 4 firebosses, air attack, Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters, two large air tankers and a lead plane.  Two engines and crewmembers are on scene, and numerous equipment and other resources are being ordered.

Please avoid the area, and boaters on Hayden Lake should always clear the waterway for emergency firefighting traffic.

Fire managers and Kootenai County Emergency Management continue to assess the situation and will update status as warranted.  Follow Kootenai County Emergency Management Facebook Page for updates and sign up for automated Kootenai Alert for emergency alerts.  https://www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management

From Kootenai County Emergency Management: Out of an abundance of caution, residents within the above boundary are being provided with a GET READY notification. The Ridge Creek Fire is in your area and it would be wise to consider planning and or packing in the event an evacuation becomes necessary. Residents are urged to create and maintain a defensible space and harden their home against the potential for wildfire. More information will be forthcoming, as it becomes available. Please continue to monitor official information sources.

The fire is now estimated to be 300-400 acres. Air and ground suppression efforts continue. 

From Kootenai County Emergency Management:
Out of an abundance of caution, residents within the above boundary are being provided with a GET READY notification. The Ridge Creek Fire is in your area and it would be wise to consider planning and or packing in the event an evacuation becomes necessary. Residents are urged to create and maintain a defensible space and harden their home against the potential for wildfire. More information will be forthcoming, as it becomes available. Please continue to monitor official information sources.