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Murphy Fire Update - 10/19/2022
Murphy Lake
Publication Type: News 10/19/2022
HIGHLIGHTS: Hwy 2 is open but may be subject to intermittent closures and delays if debris falls onto the road. Road closure information and status changes are posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter.
Unseasonably warm and dry conditions will promote moderate fire activity and potential spread through Thursday; however, precipitation and cooler weather will put a damper on fire activity and spread starting Friday. Fire crews are monitoring containment lines, mopping up hotspots and retrieving unneeded suppression equipment as local fire conditions allow.
Crews worked on the eastern perimeter along Beckler River and on the western perimeter along FS Roads 6022 and 120 to reinforce and anchor containment lines over the past few days. Efforts are now transitioning to monitoring containment lines along Hwy 2 and the east and west edges of the burn area. Fire crews are gradually being released as fire and weather conditions allow.
The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in moderate fire spread and behavior on both flanks. A small spot fire developed to the north along the ridgeline, bringing the edge of the fire within 1 mile of Hwy 2. The ridge top location of the fire is producing backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials into the Surprise Creek drainage. Anticipated rain, snow and cooler temperatures are expected to suppress fire behavior and prevent further movement toward Hwy 2 starting on Friday.
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 wet 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
Forest Closure and Restrictions: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has issued an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. A burn ban remains in effect.
Fire Information Line (8am to 8pm): (360) 370-4170
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo
Inciweb: Bolt Creek Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417
Murphy Lake Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8445