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Oct 21 Update, Loch Katrine, Suiattle River, Boulder Lake fires
Loch Katrine Fire
Publication Type: News 10/22/2022
Loch Katrine Fire, Suiattle River Fire, and Boulder Lake Fire
Daily Update, October 21, 2022, 10:00 AM
The Loch Katrine Fire is at an estimated 1,918 acres (no IR flight on October 20). Yesterday’s cool, cloudy, and humid conditions, combined with the smoke layer, dampened fire behavior to smoldering. This allowed crews to make significant progress. Crews will continue to construct and strengthen containment lines: parallel to Highway 57, along the Phillippa Creek drainage, and in Sunday Creek. Hose lay continues in the Big Creek drainage. Assessments are being conducted to identify suppression repair points in preparation for those efforts.
Suiattle River Fire is 4,272 acres as of October 19 (no IR flight on October 20). The fire activity is greatly reduced due to changing weather conditions. There was light precipitation within the fire perimeter yesterday and rain is forecast for the area today. The primary objectives on the Suiattle River Fire are to minimize the impact to private structures and property, Bureau of Land Management land, high-value timber land, and Forest Service infrastructure (Suiattle Guard Station, Buck Creek Campground, and the Darrington Seed Orchard). Firefighters have been successful at stopping fire spread along Forest Service Road 26 and the Suiattle River. A total of 33 fire personnel are suppressing the fire. Aviation assets are available to support firefighters on the ground as needed.
Boulder Lake Fire is 2,317 acres as of October 19 (No IR flight on October 20). Fire activity is reduced on this fire due to a change in weather. Fire managers will continue to assess tactics on the fire that will minimize potential impacts to values including private land and those managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Evacuation: As of yesterday afternoon, and at the recommendation of the Incident Command of the Suiattle River Fire, Skagit County has lifted all evacuation orders for the nearby homes along the Suiattle River. Residents should be aware that some risk remains regarding debris flows associated with the incoming rain. Please note that Forest Road 26, also known as Suiattle River Road, will remain closed at this time for ongoing fire prevention and mitigation efforts.
Weather: Today will be cooler and bring rain and higher-elevation snow showers that will build throughout the day. The heaviest rain is likely to occur tonight (Friday evening) and into Saturday. The forecast rainfall amount and duration are expected to be sufficient to diminish the fire threat, resulting in residual and limited smoldering in the heavy fuels. Caution: Rain will increase the risk of burn scar debris flows and flash floods.
Smoke: Smoke and haze from the nearby fires may reduce visibility and air quality.
Closures: For public safety, the Suiattle River Road is closed at the junction with Highway 530. Due to their proximity to the Suiattle River Fire, the Darrington Ranger District has closed the Suiattle River Road (Forest Road 26), and Recreation facilities and trails including: Buck Creek Campground, Boulder Lake Trail, Huckleberry Mountain Trail, Buck Creek Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Downey Creek Trail, Suiattle Trail, Sulphur Creek Trail, and Sulphur Mountain Trail.