Washington Department of Transportation announced that US Highway 2 between Index and Skykomish will re-open tomorrow, at Saturday Sept 24 at 10:00am. There maybe smoke in the area, do not stop, but please slow down and turn on your headlights. Firefighters may also be working in the area.   Please check Wash DOT website for the most current road information: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/alerts/road/002. 

 Washington Department of transportation plans to open Highway 2 Monday, September 26, 2022 with reduced speed limits and potential delays: 
 

(6) WSDOT Traffic on Twitter: "UPDATE: Crews are working toward a US 2 reopening on Monday, 9/26. They continue to remove burned roadside trees that still pose a threat to public safety. Arborists with state parks removed 50-60 burned trees this AM & continue this work until immediate dangers are mitigated. https://t.co/OnjBLOLAP1" / Twitter

Bolt Creek Fire Update
9 AM, September 20, 2022
Estimated size: 10,193 acresCompleted: 90%Start Date/Time: 9/10/2022 at 5:15 amArea of Origin: King Co., North of SkykomishCause: UndeterminedStructures Damaged: one out-buildingManagement of fire: Northwest Incident Management Team 8
This will be the last Bolt Creek Fire update from Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8), Kevin Stock, Incident Commander. NWIMT8 would like to thank all the cooperators, stakeholder, communities, agencies, and firefighters for the support and cooperation provided during the Bolt Creek Fire. It takes all your participation to provide a successful outcome. Please continue to provide the same support to Western Washington Incident Management Team, Kent Standford, Incident Commander, who will assume management of the fire Wednesday morning.
Road Closures: The Washington Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) geotechnical team was on site along the Highway 2 corridor yesterday identifying falling and other hazards. Identified hazards will need to be mitigated prior to opening of the highway. A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to review the progress and to determine if the highway is safe for the public travel.
Highway 2 from the east side of Miller River Road (Old Cascade Highway) to the west side of 5th Street in Skykomish remains closed to all, with the exception of fire personnel. Highway 2 remains closed just east of Index-Galena Road, near Sunset Falls (MP 36), to the junction of 5th St N into the town of Skykomish (MP 49). Local highway access is permitted for residents with identification from the west closure at MP 36 to the intersection of Miller River Road (Old Cascade Highway). We ask residents to please be mindful of the fire crews working along the highway and follow posted speed limits. Update:The strategic objectives for the Bolt Creek Fire are focused on efforts to protect values at risk along Highway 2 corridor and prevent future spread to the west and east. These objectives have been met. Fire crews are now monitoring and patrolling completed control lines. While fire spread in the Wild Sky Wilderness is expected to be minimal because of rock outcrops and other holding features, firefighters continue to monitor the area.
more
Clear skies and slightly higher temperatures created a drying trend resulting in more aggressive creeping and smoldering of vegetation within the control area. Materials being consumed provide visible smokey conditions among neighboring communities.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Expect offshore flow this morning, leading to elevated fire weather conditions. Smoke is likely to be transported down valley to the west/south. By early afternoon, winds will relax and transition to north/northeasterly for the remainder of the afternoon when relative humidity will be lower than yesterday. Average temperatures will be near 61°F on the upper ridges and 79°F in the valleys. Relative humidity will drop down to around 35%. Expect fairly similar conditions Wednesday, but wind will return to west-northwest, creating onshore flow by the evening hours. A slow warming and drying trend will last through at least mid-week with little chance of precipitation.
Smoke: Increased smoke production is anticipated. Current information on air quality may be found at Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/
Evacuation Levels: Evacuation levels remain unchanged and will be reassessed on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. • Level 1 (Ready): Index and Skykomish• Level 2 (Set): Baring and Grotto and area along U.S. 2 east to the Money Creek tunnel.• Level 3 (Go): From west side of Money Creek tunnel to milepost 48, plus FS Road 65 (Beckler River Road).
Current Evacuation and road closures information can be found at: https://snohomish-county-public-safety-hub-snoco-gis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/wildfire
Conditions could change quickly, and evacuations may again become necessary.
Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest System lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure
Air Space Restrictions: The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been lifted.
Resources: 265 personnel – 2-type 2 initial attack hand crew, 2 hand crews, 23-engines, 1-masticators, and 114 overhead.
A burn ban is in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burning. Remember, “One less spark, one less wildfire.”
#BoltCreekFire

 Bolt Creek Fire Update

9 AM, September 19, 2022

Estimated size: 10,220 acres

Completed: 79%

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

Management of fire: Northwest Incident Management Team 8

Road Closures:

Highway 2 remains closed just east of Index-Galena Road, near Sunset Falls (MP 36), to the junction of 5th St N into the town of Skykomish (MP 49). Local highway access is permitted for residents with identification from the west closure at MP 36 to the intersection of Miller River Road (Old Cascade Highway). While traveling within the closure, please be mindful of the fire crews that continue to work along the highway and follow posted speed limits.

Highway 2 from the east side of Miller River Road (Old Cascade Highway) to the west side of 5th Street in Skykomish remains closed to all with exception of fire personnel. Please understand that while fire activity has slowed, the area remains hazardous.

 Bolt Creek Fire Update

 9 AM, September 18, 2022

Estimated size: 10,220 acres

Completed: 71%

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

Management of fire: Northwest Incident Management Team 8

Road Closures:

Highway 2 remains closed just east of Index-Galena Road, near Sunset Falls (MP 36), to the junction of 5th St N into the town of Skykomish (MP 49). Local highway access is now permitted for residents with identification from the west closure to the east side of Money Creek Road. Please keep your speed under the posted limits because firefighters are working from the roads and highways.

Highway 2 from the east side of the Money Creek Road (Old Cascade Highway) to the west side of 5th Street in Skykomish remains closed to all with exception to patrolling firefighters. Please understand that while fire activity has slowed, the area remains hazardous.

Residents in the area should remain vigilant in fire affected areas. Property owners are asked to stay indoors for their own safety and to allow firefighters to continue their work.

Update: Firefighter and public safety remains at a heightened level due to concern from gravity hazards throughout the fire area, particularly in operations along Highway 2 corridor from rollout on the steep terrain. The fire has destabilized the steep terrain above the highway resulting in rock falls, rolling debris and falling trees. Firefighters are working along the highway to identify potential hazards, and remove them for public and firefighter safety.

Bolt Creek Fire strategic objectives are to focus efforts on protecting values at risk along Highway 2 corridor and prevent future spread to the west and east. As of now, 71% of that work has been completed. The north side of the fire has burned into the Wild Sky Wilderness. Fire spread in the wilderness areas is expected to be minimal due to rock outcrops and other holding features which limit fire spread.

Firefighters continue to work to keep the fire north of the Highway 2, to protect residences, property, and critical infrastructure around the fire area. Containment lines on the east and west flanks is nearing completion. Mop up continues along the Forest Service 6510 road. Snagging operation have been completed along the Forest Service 6022 and 6305 roads.

Bolt Creek Fire Incident Commander: Kevin Stock Fire Information Phone: (360) 370-4170 Media Only Phone: (208) 713-2740 Email: 2022.boltcreek@firenet.gov Facebook: facebook.com/boltcreekfireinformation Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8417

Washington State Mobilized Resource are also developing a Risk Assessment Plan of structures for homeowners and local fire districts for future use in the Baring and Grotto areas. Firefighters may be seen in the area.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Onshore flow will continue to bring light, westerly winds. Today starts a slow warming and drying trend bringing a near zero chance of precipitation through mid-week. This will lead to clearing skies today and Monday. Temperatures will be near 61°F on the upper ridges and 74°F in the valleys, with minimum relative humidity near 46%. Winds will be light, coming out of the west, and northwest at 7 mph.

Evacuation Levels: Fire movement has slowed over the past 48 hours. New guidance:

· Level 1 (Ready): Index and Skykomish – Unchanged.

· Level 2 (Set): Baring and Grotto and area along U.S. 2 east to the Money Creek tunnel. Formerly Level 3 (Go).

· Level 3 (Go): From west side of Money Creek tunnel to milepost 48, plus FS Road 65 (Beckler River Road).

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

Conditions could change quickly, and evacuations may again become necessary.

Forest Closure: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has implemented an Emergency Closure on National Forest System lands. Roads, trails, and campgrounds are closed. To read the closure in its entirety, please see: MBSNF Bolt Creek Fire Closure

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

Sheltering: The Event Center in Startup is closed and no longer providing indoor shelter. The Red Cross Shelter at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds is closed. For Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RedCross.

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!

Resources: 385 personnel – 1-type 2 initial attack hand crew, 1-type 2 hand crew, 1 hand crew, 1-medium lift helicopter, 1-dozer, 30-engines, 3-masticators, 1-water tender, and 114 overhead.

A burn ban is in effect until significant rain is received. Please refrain from burn

 Link to website: Wildfire | Snohomish County Public Safety Hub (arcgis.com)

 UPDATE: September 17th, 2022 @ 2:00 PM - Evacuation Levels Have Changed