Single Publication

Bolt Creek Fire Update
9 AM, September 20, 2022
Estimated size: 10,193 acresCompleted: 90%Start Date/Time: 9/10/2022 at 5:15 amArea of Origin: King Co., North of SkykomishCause: UndeterminedStructures Damaged: one out-buildingManagement of fire: Northwest Incident Management Team 8
This will be the last Bolt Creek Fire update from Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8), Kevin Stock, Incident Commander. NWIMT8 would like to thank all the cooperators, stakeholder, communities, agencies, and firefighters for the support and cooperation provided during the Bolt Creek Fire. It takes all your participation to provide a successful outcome. Please continue to provide the same support to Western Washington Incident Management Team, Kent Standford, Incident Commander, who will assume management of the fire Wednesday morning.
Road Closures: The Washington Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) geotechnical team was on site along the Highway 2 corridor yesterday identifying falling and other hazards. Identified hazards will need to be mitigated prior to opening of the highway. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to review the progress and to determine if the highway is safe for the public travel.
Highway 2 from the east side of Miller River Road (Old Cascade Highway) to the west side of 5th Street in Skykomish remains closed to all, with the exception of fire personnel. Highway 2 remains closed just east of Index-Galena Road, near Sunset Falls (MP 36), to the junction of 5th St N into the town of Skykomish (MP 49). Local highway access is permitted for residents with identification from the west closure at MP 36 to the intersection of Miller River Road (Old Cascade Highway). We ask residents to please be mindful of the fire crews working along the highway and follow posted speed limits. Update:The strategic objectives for the Bolt Creek Fire are focused on efforts to protect values at risk along Highway 2 corridor and prevent future spread to the west and east. These objectives have been met. Fire crews are now monitoring and patrolling completed control lines. While fire spread in the Wild Sky Wilderness is expected to be minimal because of rock outcrops and other holding features, firefighters continue to monitor the area.
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Clear skies and slightly higher temperatures created a drying trend resulting in more aggressive creeping and smoldering of vegetation within the control area. Materials being consumed provide visible smokey conditions among neighboring communities.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Expect offshore flow this morning, leading to elevated fire weather conditions. Smoke is likely to be transported down valley to the west/south. By early afternoon, winds will relax and transition to north/northeasterly for the remainder of the afternoon when relative humidity will be lower than yesterday. Average temperatures will be near 61°F on the upper ridges and 79°F in the valleys. Relative humidity will drop down to around 35%. Expect fairly similar conditions Wednesday, but wind will return to west-northwest, creating onshore flow by the evening hours. A slow warming and drying trend will last through at least mid-week with little chance of precipitation.
Smoke: Increased smoke production is anticipated. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Evacuation Levels: Evacuation levels remain unchanged and will be reassessed on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. • Level 1 (Ready): Index and Skykomish• Level 2 (Set): Baring and Grotto and area along U.S. 2 east to the Money Creek tunnel.• Level 3 (Go): From west side of Money Creek tunnel to milepost 48, plus FS Road 65 (Beckler River Road).
Current Evacuation and road closures information can be found at: https://snohomish-county-public-safety-hub-snoco-gis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/wildfire
Conditions could change quickly, and evacuations may again become necessary.
Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest System lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure
Air Space Restrictions: The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been lifted.
Resources: 265 personnel – 2-type 2 initial attack hand crew, 2 hand crews, 23-engines, 1-masticators, and 114 overhead.
A burn ban is in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning. Remember, “One less spark, one less wildfire.”
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