US 2 Is Open: For safety reasons, WSDOT has released a Travel Advisory.  Beginning at 7 a.m. today, intermittent traffic holds for up to 20 minutes in each direction will take place while crews assess trees between MP 46 and MP 49 near Skykomish. WSDOT does not anticipate road closures at this time. Hundreds of trees have been compromised by the Bolt Creek Fire and considered hazardous to the public.  Fire managers continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety. Please check the WSDOT TRAFFIC website and WSDOT Twitter for up-to-date information before committing to using the highway.

Fire Update: Containment lines on the south, east and west perimeter of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. Yesterday, firefighters successfully suppressed a flare-up of several acres on the southern tip of the fire north of Hwy 2. A Type 1 helicopter worked throughout the day dropping water helping to cool the affected area. Firefighters continue to monitor containment lines to ensure that the fire stays within the planned footprint on the southwest, south and southeast edges. A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and will remain focused on fire protection, particularly on the east side of Index, to ensure protection is in place should fire become more active. Another day of road preparation and chipper operations took place near Index. Along the highway corridor, crews conducted mop-up operations extinguishing residual fire, smokey areas and smoldering stump holes.

The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. Within interior portions of the fire where unburned areas are exposed to sun, wind, and the effects of slope, limited burning and fire spread is expected. This predicted fire behavior is not expected to threaten containment lines.

Other Fire Information:  The Murphy Lake Fire began from a lightning strike on August 18. It is burning about 2 ½ miles southeast of Scenic WA in Wilderness administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Murphy Lakes and is visible from Hwy 2. Since its start, it has grown to approximately 10 acres. On October 9 and 11, a helicopter assigned to the nearby Bolt Creek Fire was used to drop water to keep the fire in check. Because of the steep and inaccessible terrain and the low probability of significant growth, there are currently no plans to assign ground-based firefighters to the fire.

Weather: On Wednesday and Thursday, another warm and dry period with increased winds will set up over the area again. A high-pressure system will be moving into the area today, bringing lower relative humidity levels and warmer temperatures than yesterday.  Temperatures are expected in the low and upper 70s with humidity levels near 30%. This system is not expected to bring any precipitation and is also not expected to significantly affect the fire spread along the west, south or east edges of the fire.  Winds will be of low intensities and are not expected to cause significant changes in the fire spread.

Evacuation Guidance: There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.

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

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.

US 2 Is Open: Yesterday, WSDOT crews spent time removing two large trees that came down onto US 2. A closure was conducted on the highway periodically allowing traffic to move through the area. Check the WSDOT TRAFFIC website and twitter for up-to-date information before committing to using the highway. Additional closures along Highway 2 are expected for debris removal and cleanup.

Fire Update: Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. Yesterday firefighters were assisted by helicopter water drops to successfully suppress a flare-up of several acres on the southern tip of the fire north of Highway 2 near Maloney Mountain. Firefighters continue to monitor containment lines to ensure that the fire stays within the planned footprint on the southwest, south and southeast edges. A Structural Protection Group is focused on fire protection, particularly on the east side of Index, to ensure protection is in place should fire become more active. Road preparation and chipper operations continue near Index. Other activities include setting up sprinkler systems and identifying snag trees that could fall into powerlines or onto roads.
The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. In interior areas of the fire where unburned areas are exposed to sun, wind and the effects of slope, limited burning and fire spread is expected. This predicted fire behavior is not expected to threaten containment lines.Weather: The weather system yesterday pushed down over the fire area, increasing clouds and bringing a few sprinkles, and limiting heating. Today, skies will clear with northwesterly winds keeping cooler temperatures over the fire area. Temperatures are expected in the upper 60s and low 70s with higher humidity levels. On Wednesday and Thursday another warm and dry period with increased winds will set up over the area again.

Evacuation Guidance: There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.

Smoke Information: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are several wildfires that continue to burn in the region and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.

Estimated Acres: 13,396

Containment: 36%

Cause:  Undetermined

Total Personnel:  224

Resources: 224 personnel on scene, including three type-2 initial attack hand crews, one hand crew, one helicopter, 20 engines, one dozer, three water tenders.

 

US 2 Is Open: US 2 is subject to closures.  Check the WSDOT TRAFFIC website and twitter for up-to-date information before committing to using the highway. Flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area, please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area. Law enforcement emphasis and additional signage by WSDOT will be used to help slow traffic. Train traffic through the area will be slowed for safety of firefighters and to prevent fire spread.

Fire Update: Warm and windy conditions will move in with overnight increasing humidity. The winds will be picking up over the next couple of days, pushing the smoke back out of the low areas to the east. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. Firefighters continue to monitor containment lines to ensure that the fire stays within the planned footprint on the southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. In some areas where unburned fuel remains between the fire edge and containment lines, firefighters worked at improving those lines.  That activity will continue today. Aviation was used through the weekend when possible and will be available as needed to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the fire. A Structural Protection Group monitors fire protection – particularly on the east side of Index – to ensure protection is in place should fire become more active. Suppression activities are ongoing to increase containment in some areas that has seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, setting sprinkler systems and identifying snag trees that could fall into powerlines or onto roads. The Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into this week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and emergency stabilization measures planned, log onto their Inciweb page at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/

Weather: Several days of high overnight humidity and increased winds will move into the area. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be 25 to 35 percent and winds will be light from the east in the morning, becoming westerly in the afternoon. 

Evacuation Guidance: There are no evacuation orders in place at this time.

Smoke: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning. 

 

Overview: The Bolt Creek Fire continues to burn in steep, rugged terrain, but expected to have limited growth. Crews are working throughout the area.  Please use caution when traveling near the fire area and adhere to the posted reduced speed limits. Law enforcement emphasis patrols and additional signage by WSDOT will be used to help advise and slow traffic for safety of firefighters and to prevent potential fire spread.

US 2 Is Open throughout the fire area and no additional planned closures are scheduled. However, additional flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the roadway may force temporary short closures or reroutes.

Fire Update: Warmer and drier conditions returned Friday afternoon and overnight increasing fire activity. These conditions will persist for the next few days which will likely contribute to moderate fire spread and additional smoke production. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. The fire will produce smoke as it burns to the north in Wild Sky Wilderness in steep terrain. Firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure the fire stays within the planned footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. In some locations where unburned fuel remained between the fire edge and containment lines, fire was carefully placed on the ground in small areas to consume those unburned fuels.  That activity will continue today.

Aviation: Several helicopters were used Saturday and will be available Sunday as needed to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the fire. 
A Structural Protection Group will continue assessments of structures around the fire – particularly on the east side of Index – to ensure a good plan is in place should fire move in that direction. Suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment. The Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) has continued watershed assessments in the fire area. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and emergency stabilization measures planned, log onto their Inciweb page at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/ Weather: Several days of lower humidity and higher temperature will continue. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be 25 to 35 percent and winds will be light from the east in the morning, becoming westerly in the afternoon. 

Evacuation Guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted.

Smoke Information: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning. 

Bolt Creek Fire Update
October 8, 2022 
Southeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Leonard Johnson

 
Estimated size: 13,060 acres
Cause: Undetermined
Containment: 36 percent
Resources: 194 personnel – Two type-2 initial attack hand crew, one hand crew, one helicopter, 20 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 94 overhead 

US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area and no additional planned closures are scheduled.   However, additional flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area so as the weekend approaches and traffic increases please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.Fire Update: Friday again saw limited growth. Warmer and drier conditions returned during the afternoon and overnight increasing fire activity. These conditions will persist for the next few days which will likely contribute to more fire spread and more smoke production. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. Firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. Aviation is available and will be used to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the south and west of the fire. A Structural Protection Group will continue assessments of structures around the fire – particularly on the east side of Index – to ensure a good plan is in place should fire move unexpectedly. Suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, and repair of damage caused by suppression activities will continue in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand/dozer lines and other actions that will help to mitigate future erosion. In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and deciding what emergency stabilization measures to take, check out their Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/

Weather: Several days of lower humidity and higher temperature will continue. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be 25 to 35 percent and winds will be light from the east in the morning, becoming westerly in the afternoon.

Evacuation Guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted.

Smoke Information: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning. 

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170    
Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo

Bolt Creek Fire Update
October 7, 2022 
Southeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team

Incident Commander: Leonard Johnson
Estimated size: 12,927 acres
Cause: Human; Under investigation
Containment: 36 percent
Resources: 194 personnel – Two type-2 initial attack hand crew, one hand crew, 17 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 95 overhead. As of 0600 today, management of the Bolt Creek Fire was assumed by a Southeast Washington Type 3 Team; Incident Commander Leonard Johnson.

US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area and no additional planned closures are scheduled. However, additional flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area so as the weekend approaches and traffic increases please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.

Fire Update: Thursday saw very limited growth – less than 100 acres. A heavy marine layer moderated temperature and raised humidity, although warmer and drier conditions returned overnight and will persist for the next few days which may contribute to more fire spread and more smoke production. Other fires in the North Cascades east of Stevens Pass are also contributing to the smoke lingering over the area, which is likely to persist through the weekend as only light winds are forecast to help disperse it. Wind will shift to an easterly light wind which will likely move smoke westward toward Bellevue and Seattle. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures—continue to hold well as the consumption strategy is allowed to continue. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. Firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. Aviation is available and may be used – as weather allows - to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the south and west of the fire. Today a Structural Protection Group will begin assessments of structures around the fire – particularly on the east side of Index – to ensure a good plan is in place should fire move unexpectedly. Suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, and repair of damage caused by suppression activities will continue in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand/dozer lines and other actions that will help to mitigate future erosion. In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and deciding what emergency stabilization measures to take, check out their Inciweb page:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/

Weather: Friday will begin several days of lower humidity and higher temperature. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be 25 to 35 percent and winds will be light from the east.

Evacuation guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted.

Smoke: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog athttps://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170 Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo

Bolt Creek Fire Update
October 6, 2022 
Western Washington Incident Management Team 3

Incident Commander: Gene Phillips
Estimated size: 12,863 acres Cause: Human; Under investigation Containment: 36 percent
Resources: 149 personnel – Two type-2 initial attack hand crew, one hand crew, 15 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 76 overhead.

US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area. A planned closure occurred - Wednesday, Oct. 5 - from 10 am to 6 pm between mile markers 44 and 50 for hazard tree removal and successfully removed approximately 120 trees. The intention of this extended closure was to limit the need for additional closures in the future. However, additional periodic flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area so as the weekend approaches and traffic increases please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.

Fire Update: Wednesday saw very limited growth – only about 100 acres – despite continued warm and dry conditions over the fire area. As it did yesterday, a heavy marine layer today will moderate temperature and raise humidity, although warmer and drier conditions are likely to return tomorrow and persist for the next few days which may contribute to more fire spread in addition to more smoke production. Other fires in the North Cascades are also contributing to the smoke lingering over the area, which is likely to persist through the week as there are no winds forecasted to help disperse it. What wind there will be will shift to an easterly light wind which will likely move smoke westward toward Bellevue and Seattle. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures—continue to hold well as the consumption strategy is allowed to continue. While the fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness, firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. Aviation is available – as weather allows - and may be used today to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the south and west of the fire. Suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, and repair of damage caused by suppression activities will continue in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand/dozer lines and other actions that will help to mitigate future erosion. In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and deciding what emergency stabilization measures to take, check out their Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/

Weather: Thursday will again bring slightly higher humidity and cooler temperatures due to a heavy marine layer but warmer and drier weather will return and persist for the next few days. A prolonged period of nearly-record high temperatures continues through the end of this coming week. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be 25 to 35 percent and winds will be light from the east, including to Bellevue and Seattle.

Evacuation guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted.

Smoke: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog athttps://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170 Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo

Bolt Creek Fire Update October 5, 2022 
Western Washington Incident Management Team 3
Incident Commander: Gene Phillips
Estimated size: 12,723 acres
Cause: Human; Under investigation 
Containment: 36 percent
Resources: 149 personnel – One type-2 initial attack hand crew, one hand crews, 15 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 76 overhead.
 

US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area. A planned closure will occur today - Wednesday, Oct. 5 - from 10 am to 6 pm between mile markers 44 and 50 for hazard tree removal. The intention of this extended closure is to allow significant hazard tree abatement and hopefully limit the need for additional closures in the future. However, additional periodic flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. Crews are still working throughout the area so please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.

Fire Update: Tuesday saw very limited growth – only about 100 acres – despite continued warm and dry conditions over the fire area. While a heavy marine layer today will moderate temperature and raise humidity, warmer and drier conditions are likely to return tomorrow and persist for the next few days which may contribute to more fire spread in addition to more smoke production. Other fires in the North Cascades are also contributing to the smoke lingering over the area, which is likely to persist through the week as there are no winds forecasted to help disperse it. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures—continue to hold well as the consumption strategy is allowed to continue. While the fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness, firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. Aviation was used yesterday and may be used again today to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the south and west of the fire. While suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, repair of damage caused by suppression activities will continue in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand/dozer lines and other actions that will help to mitigate future erosion.

In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and deciding what emergency stabilization measures to take, check out their Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/

Weather: Wednesday will bring slightly higher humidity and cooler temperatures due to a heavy marine layer but warmer and drier weather will return on Thursday and persist for the next few days. A prolonged period of nearly- record high temperatures continues through the end of this coming week. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be 25 to 35 percent and winds will be light from the west today, but shift to light easterly winds overnight and into Thursday which may bring more smoke to the west, including to Bellevue and Seattle.

Evacuation guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted.

Smoke: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog athttps://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170 Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo

Western Washington Incident Management Team 3
 
Incident Commander: Ty Crowe
 
Estimated size: 12,625 acres
 
Cause: Human; Under investigation 
 
Containment: 36 percent
 
Resources: 158 personnel – One type-2 initial attack hand crew, two hand crews one dozer, two water tenders and 70 overhead.

US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area. However, periodic flare-ups, material rolling near the road, or hazardous trees on or along the road may force temporary short closures or reroutes. A planned closure will occur Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 10 am to 6 pm for hazard tree removal. The specific area for this closure will be provided in tomorrow’s update. Crews are still working throughout the area so please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.

Fire Update: Monday saw very little intense fire behavior despite unseasonably warm and dry conditions over the fire area. These weather conditions are likely to persist for the next few days and may contribute to more fire spread in addition to more smoke production. Other fires in the North Cascades are also contributing to the smoke lingering over the area, which is likely to persist through the week as there are no winds forecasted to help disperse it. Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures—continue to hold well as the consumption strategy is allowed to continue. While the fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness, firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. Aviation may be used today to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the south and west of the fire.

While suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, repair of damage caused by suppression activities has started in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand/dozer lines and other actions that will help to mitigate potential future erosion. In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and deciding what emergency stabilization measures to take, check out their Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/

Weather: Tuesday will bring slightly higher humidity but similar temperatures as Monday, along with sunny weather and continued smoke. A prolonged period of nearly-record high temperatures continues through the end of this coming week. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be lower than previously forecasted at 25 to 35 percent. Winds will be light from the east during the morning, becoming westerly in the afternoon.

October 4, 2022 morning operations briefing: https://fb.watch/fY3v9hyO7b/
 
Evacuation guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted.

Smoke: In addition to Bolt Creek, there are 2 wildfires that continue to burn east of the Cascade Crest and contribute much of the smoke in the area. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog athttps://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170 Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov
Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo

Western Washington Incident Management Team 3 

Incident Commander: Ty Crowe 

Estimated size: 12,486 acres      Cause: Human; Under investigation 

Containment: 36 percent  

Resources: 151 personnel – One type-2 initial attack hand crews, two hand crews, 15 engines, one dozer, two water tenders and 78 overhead.  

 

US 2 Is Open: At this time, US 2 is open throughout the fire area.  However, periodic flare-ups or material rolling near the road may – for public safety considerations – force temporary short closures or reroutes.  Additionally, crews are still working throughout the area so please drive at the posted reduced speeds through the fire area.  

 

Fire Update: Warmer and drier conditions continued yesterday and contributed to elevated fire behavior, again primarily in the area north of Eagle Rock. Containment lines elsewhere on the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures—continue to hold well as the consumption strategy is allowed to continue. While the fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness, firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners.  

While suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, repair of damage caused by suppression activities has started in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand and dozer lines and other measures that will help to mitigate potential future erosion.  

In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. For more information on the BAER Team’s ongoing assessment of the fire area, including identifying any potential values at risk of potential post-fire flooding and deciding what emergency stabilization measures to take, check out their Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/ 

 

Weather: Monday and Tuesday will largely be repeats of Sunday with sunny weather, reduced humidity and increasing smoke. A prolonged period of nearly-record high temperatures continues through the end of this coming week. Highs will be around 70 on ridges and upper slopes and in the lower- to mid-80s in valleys. Humidity will be lower than previously forecasted at 25 to 35 percent. Winds will be light from the east during the morning, becoming westerly in the afternoon.  

 

October 3, 2022 morning operations briefing: https://fb.watch/fWJ8aIqVvy/  

 

Evacuation guidance: Due to the current reduction in fire danger, all previous evacuation orders have been lifted. 

 

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

 

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see:  MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure. A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning.  

 

Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170     Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov 

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boltcreekfireinfo