Red flag warning conditions pushed fires in the region, forcing evacuations near Elk, Wash., as well as in southern Pend Oreille County.

According to Watch Duty, a wildfire and forest fire tracking app, the Oregon/Frideger Fire near Elk in northern Spokane County has burned more than 2,000 acres. Level 3, "Go Now" evacuations are in effect in the Elk area as well as in Pend Oreille County.

The Gray Fire near Cheney, Wash., has burned an estimated 3,000 acres, also prompted evacuated of Medical Lake. Pushed by 35 mph winds, the fire went from 500 acres to nearly 3,000 in a several-hour span.

On fires in Idaho, crews have been able to keep fires from jumping containment lines despite the challenging conditions.

Ridge Creek Fire

The Ridge Creek Fire burning on the northern tip of Hayden Lake has grown to more than 3,200 acres and was 12% contained Friday afternoon.

The fire’s growth since Wednesday lowered containment, which was previously calculated to be 15%, but officials said perimeters have remained stable in recent days.

Level 1 “Get Ready” evacuation notices are in place for residents in the vicinity of Bunco Road and Hayden Lake. That means residents should keep up with fire information, be familiar with evacuation procedures and harden homes against flying embers.

With the Ridge Creek Fire growing and weather conditions working against crews, Kootenai County commissioners Leslie Duncan and Bruce Mattare met briefly Thursday to declare a countywide fire disaster.

Emergency declarations provide support for state and local efforts during disasters or crises, such as wildfires or windstorms. They open up funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse local entitles, as well as activate the response of intergovernmental agencies.

Due to high temperatures, gusty winds and dry conditions, the National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of the Idaho Panhandle, expected to last through Friday evening. Active fire behavior and visible smoke are likely while the warning is in effect.

A total of 459 personnel were assigned to the fire as of Thursday, as well as 15 engines and 10 pieces of heavy equipment.

Operational staff anticipate the use of aircraft again, especially in the northeast area of the fire. Recreational boaters are likely to see helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft using Hayden Lake for fire suppression efforts Friday.

All lake users should be on the lookout for approaching aircraft, officials said. If firefighting aircraft are in the area, boaters should clear the center of the lake and move toward the shoreline.

Buckskin 2 Fire

The week was challenging, but thanks to hard work and dedicated fire crews, Idaho Panhandle National Forests officials said great strides were made on the Buckskin 2 Fire.

Located 8 miles south of Clark Fork, containment has increased to 45%. The fire has burned an estimated 242 acres in the area of Twin Creek and Buckskin Saddle.

Moderate fire behavior is showing some backing and flanking with the occasional tree torching, officials said.

With red flag warning conditions expected to continue through Friday evening, INPF officials said the winds could test the fire lines through the day. Firefighters kept an eye out for any possible spot fires over the line as crews worked to increase its depth.

Structure protection assessments in the Twin Creek and Rearden Road areas have been completed. Officials said the fire remains 1.8 miles from the nearest structure.

Smoke that has settled into the area over the past few days is coming from Washington state and British Columbia, Canada. While much of the smoke in the area is from other fires, some smoke may be visible from the Buckskin 2 as it burned pockets of fuel within the fire's perimeters.

"Until a season-ending event occurs, smoke may be visible from pockets of unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire," IPNF officials said.

Residents of the Twin Creek and Rearden areas remain on "Get Ready" status of the "Ready, Set, Go" evacuation planning stages. Under this status, residents are advised to have a plan to evacuate if necessary. "Set" status asks residents to begin putting their plan into place. Under "Go" status, residents are told to leave immediately due to an imminent threat.

There are 170 personnel assigned to the fire, which has burned 242 acres. There are four hand crews, two firefighting modules and a variety of heavy equipment on the fire, located 8 miles south of Clark Fork.

Information: inciweb.nwcg.gov