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 The Murphy Lake Fire is burning about 2 ½ miles southeast of Scenic WA in Wilderness administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Murphy Lakes and is visible from Hwy 2. It began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to an estimated 371 acres. The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in moderate additional growth on both flanks and spotting to the north along the ridgeline. The ridge top location of the fire is producing backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials into the Surprise Creek drainage. Unseasonably warm temperatures and low relative humidity will likely result in moderate fire activity and additional growth today.

Weather: Conditions will remain warmer and drier than normal through Thursday with slight warming each day. Winds will be light and variable and generally follow diurnal upslope/downslope trends. Temperature inversions will develop overnight with increasing smoke in valley locations. The forecast for Friday through the weekend is for cool and moist conditions as a weather system brings substantial rainfall with snow at higher elevations. Winds will increase and become more southerly in advance of the approaching storm. 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed between Deception Lakes (mile 2447.5) and Hope Lake (mile 2457) due to the Murphy Lake fire. For more information: Pacific Crest Trail Association Web Page  The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed. 

Smoke Information: Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure.

Restrictions: A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.