Single Publication

Bolt Creek and Murphy Lake Fires

Update - October 20, 2022

Southeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team

Incident Commander: Leonard Johnson

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.

Increasing humidity ahead of an approach storm will damper fire behavior today. Friday will bring precipitation and colder temperatures that will further suppress fire activity and potential spread. Fire crews continue to monitor containment lines and retrieve unneeded suppression equipment. Precipitation over the weekend may create additional hazards associated with flash flooding, mudslides, debris flow in the vicinity of the burn area.

Bolt Creek Fire: 14,766 acres | 43% contained | 189 personnel assigned

Containment increased to 43% and approaching the containment objective of 50%. Containment now extends from near Baring southeastward along Hwy 2 and up Road 65 to the Beckler River Campground. Efforts are now transitioning to monitoring containment lines and retrieving suppression equipment. Fire crews continue to be released from the incident as fire and weather conditions continue to improve.

Murphy Lake Fire: 444 acres | 1 person assigned

The fire had minimal spread over the last 24 hours with 29 acres of growth. Most of the growth is a result of the merging of the main fire and the spot fire to the north. Anticipated rain, snow and cooler temperatures are expected to suppress fire behavior and prevent further growth starting on Friday.

Weather: A shift to westerly flow and increasing cloud cover will moderate temperatures and increase humidity today. Winds will be light and variable with diurnal upslope/downslope trends today, and gradually increase and become more southerly in advance of the approaching storm. The forecast for Friday through the weekend is for cool and wet conditions as a weather system brings substantial rainfall with snow at elevations above 3000 feet.

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.