Single Publication

Bolt Creek Fire Update September 14, 2022

Estimated size: 9,440 acres 

Containment: 5% 

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 

Road Closures: Highway 2 remains closed east of the junction of Index-Galena Road and Highway 2 to the junction of 5th St N into the town of Skykomish. The highway is unsafe to travel due to rock fall, rolling fire debris, and falling trees. Fire managers understand the inconvenience and desire for residents to return to their homes. Please avoid the fire area to give firefighters time to address snags, hot spots, and other hazards. The sooner the hazards have been mitigated, the sooner the public will be able to return. 

Evacuation Levels: Evacuation levels changed yesterday evening –  
  
- Level 2 (Set): Index - reduced from a Level 3. Residents can return home.  
- Level 1 (Ready): Between Index and Zeke's Drive In - reduced from a Level 2.  
- From Zeke's to Gold Bar east city limits, no longer at Level 1.  
- Baring and Grotto and area along U.S. 2 after milepost 48 (east of Money Creek tunnel) will remain at Level 3. Additionally, Forest Service Road 65 (Beckler River Road) is at Level 3. Skykomish will remain at Level 1.  
  
Please understand that the fire remains active and conditions could change quickly.   In order to keep the public safe, changes in evacuation levels might also be required.  Please be prepared. 

Current Evacuation and road closures can be found at: https://snohomish-county-public-safety-hub-snoco-gis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/wildfire  

Update: The Bolt Creek Fire started on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 5:15 am near Beckler Road in King County, WA. The cause of the fire is undetermined. Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock, is managing the fire.  

Favorable weather conditions continue to keep the fire moderately active with minimal perimeter growth toward Highway 2 and neighboring communities. The fire continues to slowly back downhill toward the highway, primarily burning ground fuels with minimal tree torching. Firefighters continue to monitor the area, remove hazard trees, and preventing  

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the fire from crossing Highway 2. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will bring in specialists to analyze safety conditions prior to opening the highway. Puget Sound Energy is working to restore power lines in the area.  

Crews are using heavy equipment including feller bunchers, masticators, and chippers to clear brush and fuels along roads that will be used as primary or alternate fire lines. Firefighters will work along Forest Service Road (FSR) 6510 and Beckler Road removing fuels to use as a holding feature on the east edge of the fire. FSR 6022 (Heybrook Lookout Road) from Highway 2 to the Index-Galena Road along the west fire perimeter will also be prepared as a holding line. Night shifts will continue to provide patrols and monitor fire activity. 

Washington State Mobilization Resources are present working to secure the safety of homes and structures. We appreciate their support in keeping local communities safe.  

Weather and Fire Behavior: A weak storm system will slide across the region today bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms.  Thunderstorms may bring gusty outflow winds and hail. Temperatures are forecast to be 58-64°F, with minimum relative humidity near 90%.  Winds will be light, coming out of the west at 5-6 mph in the afternoon. 

Fuels remain dry and the fire will move primarily where wind and slopes align in steep terrain. The fire is still capable of large runs if winds increase above 25 mph. However, high winds are not currently predicted. Fine fuel moistures are increasing as moisture and relative humidity increase. 

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

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! 

Sheltering: Snohomish County and the American Red Cross are providing indoor shelter and RV slots at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, located at 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe. For shelter assistance, proceed to the Weikel Building at the fairgrounds or RV Lot 2. Staff will be on-site to assist you. Assistance is also available at Start-up Event Center. 

Resources: 426 personnel – 1-type 1 hotshot hand crew, 5-type 2 initial attack  

hand crews, 1-type 2 hand crew,  3-dozers, 41-engines, 2-masticators, 5-water tenders, and 126 overhead. 

Even though the area received scattered precipitation, new fire starts are very possible.  Remember, “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.” 

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