Single Publication

 Bolt Creek Fire Update

 9 AM, September 18, 2022

Estimated size: 10,220 acres

Completed: 71%

Start Date/Time: 9/10/2022 at 5:15 am

Area of Origin: King Co., North of Skykomish

Cause: Undetermined

Structures Damaged: one out-building

Management of fire: Northwest Incident Management Team 8

Road Closures:

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 now permitted for residents with identification from the west closure to the east side of Money Creek Road. Please keep your speed under the posted limits because firefighters are working from the roads and highways.

Highway 2 from the east side of the Money Creek Road (Old Cascade Highway) to the west side of 5th Street in Skykomish remains closed to all with exception to patrolling firefighters. Please understand that while fire activity has slowed, the area remains hazardous.

Residents in the area should remain vigilant in fire affected areas. Property owners are asked to stay indoors for their own safety and to allow firefighters to continue their work.

Update: Firefighter and public safety remains at a heightened level due to concern from gravity hazards throughout the fire area, particularly in operations along Highway 2 corridor from rollout on the steep terrain. The fire has destabilized the steep terrain above the highway resulting in rock falls, rolling debris and falling trees. Firefighters are working along the highway to identify potential hazards, and remove them for public and firefighter safety.

Bolt Creek Fire strategic objectives are to focus efforts on protecting values at risk along Highway 2 corridor and prevent future spread to the west and east. As of now, 71% of that work has been completed. The north side of the fire has burned into the Wild Sky Wilderness. Fire spread in the wilderness areas is expected to be minimal due to rock outcrops and other holding features which limit fire spread.

Firefighters continue to work to keep the fire north of the Highway 2, to protect residences, property, and critical infrastructure around the fire area. Containment lines on the east and west flanks is nearing completion. Mop up continues along the Forest Service 6510 road. Snagging operation have been completed along the Forest Service 6022 and 6305 roads.

Bolt Creek Fire Incident Commander: Kevin Stock Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170 Media Only Phone: (208) 713-2740 Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov Facebook: facebook.com/boltcreekfireinformation Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417

Washington State Mobilized Resource are also developing a Risk Assessment Plan of structures for homeowners and local fire districts for future use in the Baring and Grotto areas. Firefighters may be seen in the area.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Onshore flow will continue to bring light, westerly winds. Today starts a slow warming and drying trend bringing a near zero chance of precipitation through mid-week. This will lead to clearing skies today and Monday. Temperatures will be near 61°F on the upper ridges and 74°F in the valleys, with minimum relative humidity near 46%. Winds will be light, coming out of the west, and northwest at 7 mph.

Evacuation Levels: Fire movement has slowed over the past 48 hours. New guidance:

· Level 1 (Ready): Index and Skykomish – Unchanged.

· Level 2 (Set): Baring and Grotto and area along U.S. 2 east to the Money Creek tunnel. Formerly Level 3 (Go).

· 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 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

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

Sheltering: The Event Center in Startup is closed and no longer providing indoor shelter. The Red Cross Shelter at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds is closed. For Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RedCross.

Air Space Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the Bolt Creek Fire. Please review the Notice to Airmen in its entirety. Please help the firefighters by respecting the TFR. If you fly, we can’t!

Resources: 385 personnel – 1-type 2 initial attack hand crew, 1-type 2 hand crew, 1 hand crew, 1-medium lift helicopter, 1-dozer, 30-engines, 3-masticators, 1-water tender, and 114 overhead.

A burn ban is in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burn