Single Publication

Loch Katrine Fire, Suiattle River Fire, and Boulder Lake Fire
Daily Update, October 20, 2022, 11:00 AM

The Loch Katrine Fire is at an estimated 1,918 acres. Crews continue efforts in the area of Sunday Creek, working north and west to tie the fireline down into the Sunday Creek canyon. They are going direct on the edge of the fire where possible and indirect to construct and strengthen containment lines. Yesterday, hose was laid and plumbed to bolster the line in the Big Creek drainage. Crews are constructing fireline parallel to highway 57 and using bulldozers in the Phillippa Creek area, between the two lobes of the fire, to strengthen containment.

Suiattle River Fire is now at 4,272 acres. The fire has 0% containment, but is being held in check by fire crews and natural barriers. The primary objectives on the Suiattle River Fire are to minimize 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 64 fire personnel are suppressing the fire. Aviation assets are available to support firefighters on the ground as needed in areas where water drops can be effective but aircraft were unable to fly yesterday due to limited visibility.

Boulder Lake Fire is at 2,317 acres and continues to be most active on the west flank above Big Creek. Fire managers are assessing tactics that will minimize potential impacts to values including private land and those managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Evacuation: Level 3(GO) evacuations are in place for the Suiattle River Fire in the Lower Suiattle River Valley. No other evacuations are currently in place for the other fires.

Weather: Today will be cloudy and cool with a chance of light rain. Winds are light and variable and may become stronger from the west as a front comes in today through tomorrow.Smoke: Smoke and haze from the nearby fires may reduce visibility and air quality for most of the day. Smoke column may be visible from both the I-90 and I-405 highway corridors.

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) Recreation facilities and trails: 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.

Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8447/ ● facebook.com/MtBakerSnoqualmieNF ● fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-noticesFire Information Line: 425-386-1354, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Email: 2022.lochkatrine@firenet.gov