Texas Ridge Fire sears 1,543 acres, more crews on the way

UPDATE: The Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon has announced that the shelter at Kendrick High School has been placed on standby. The organization plans to reopen the shelter quickly if conditions in the area change.

Anyone in need of assistance due to the fire can call 800-RED-CROSS to request support.

UPDATE: As containment efforts continue on the Texas Ridge Fire, the Idaho Department of Lands has announced a community meeting to present information on the fire and the progress of ongoing firefighting operations.

The event kicks off at 6pm at the Kendrick High School Library. Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8 is set to lead the community information meeting.

UPDATE: The Idaho Department of Lands has release reports showing that the Texas Ridge Fire has continued to spread through the Kendrick, Idaho area.

The fire now spans around 1,543 acres. Fire crews have been working to construct a fire line around the fire perimeter in order to slow the growth of the flames. Air support has continued to aid the suppression efforts.

Moving forward, firefighters plan to reinforce the fireline by installing hose lays on the edge of the fire, mitigating snags and rolling material, and working directly on the edge of the fire where possible.

With warm and dry weather expected in the area, more crews will arrive on the scene on July 18 to fight the flames. IDL says the conditions make it likely that the fire will continue to spread.

UPDATE: The Latah County Sheriff's Office released a notice on Tuesday, July 16 where they asked for any information related to the start of the Texas Ridge Fire which has now seared over 1,323 acres near Kendrick, Idaho.

LCSO is asking the public to submit any footage or pictures from doorbell cameras, security cameras, or other devices to the office via this link . Other information regarding the start of the fire can be called into the Sheriff's Office at 208-882-2216.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting efforts for the Texas Ridge Fire in Latah and Nez Perce Counties.

The authorization allows for FEMA to pay 75% of Idaho's eligible firefighting costs and also provides over $980,000 for the mitigation of future wildfires and related hazards in the area.

UPDATE: An update from the Idaho Department of Lands at 4:29 pm on Tuesday, July 16 estimates that the Texas Ridge Fire has spread over 1,323 acres and confirm that a total of four structures have been lost to the flames.

The fire remains at 0% containment as fire crews continue to deliver water and retardant to the area.

UPDATE: The Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon has opened an evacuation shelter in Kendrick for those displaced by the Texas Ridge Fire.

The shelter can be found at the Kendrick High School (2001 State Highway 3) and will provide those in need with a place to stay, food, information, emotional support, and access to other community resources.

All services are free and no reservations are required.

Families who need services may also call 800-RED-CROSS to get support.

The Red Cross recommends you bring these items if you have time to pack before evacuating:

• Bedding
• Clothing
• Medications
• Your child’s stuffed animal, blanket and toys
• Your emergency kit

Residents should evacuate as soon as the order is given. Make sure to follow these tips in the event of an evacuation:

• Tune in to local radio and television stations for updated emergency information. Download the Red Cross emergency app.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing (but not locking) windows and doors. Close curtains, shutters, and blinds. Use the recycle mode on your air conditioner.
• Turn on exterior lights.
• Remove flammable items from decks and porches.
• Open gates for animals that cannot be evacuated.
• Connect a hose to an outside spigot, mark any water sources on your property, and leave a ladder for firefighters.
• Put your emergency kit in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape, with windows closed and keys in the ignition.
• Put your best driver at the wheel. Turn on lights, drive slowly and watch out for emergency vehicles.

UPDATE: The Idaho Department of Lands has confirmed that new estimates measure the Texas Ridge Fire at 1200 acres.

The release shared at 10:19 am on Tuesday, July 16 also confirms that the flames are 0% contained. 100 firefighters and various overhead are engaged in fighting the fire at this time.

Evacuations have been ordered for areas close to the fire. For those moving livestock, Lewiston Roundup is offering to house animals. They are asking those looking to drop off to contact them on their Facebook page (linked below).

The 150-acre Texas Ridge Fire near Kendrick, Idaho is continuing to grow as it moves up Cedar Ridge and Potlatch Canyon.

The fire was discovered on Monday, July 15 at around 5:45 pm. Initially, it was listed as covering 50-acres in the area, but as of July 16, measures have grown to around 150-acres.

Evacuations have been ordered for residents in the area as fire crews respond to the flames.

A level 3 evacuation zone was established following the growth of the fire. Residents in the area of Texas Ridge Rd and East Rd to Sundstrom Rd are being told to "leave immediately and do not delay.

A level 2 evacuation notice notifying residents to "be set" to evacuate are in place for residents from Texas Ridge and Sundstrom Rd to Highway 3, Cedar Ridge Rd. at Linden Rd. to Three Bear Rd, as well as all houses west of 1210 Cedar Ridge Rd.

All residents in the two-miles surrounding the level 2evacuation zone are set at a level 1, meaning they should "be ready" to evacuate.