Loch Katrine Fire, Suiattle River Fire, and Boulder Lake Fire
Daily Update, October 18, 2022, 11:00 AM

Resources continue to arrive to support all firefighting efforts around the perimeter of each of these fires. Assessment of each fires’ footprint is ongoing, with plans being developed and implemented from those assessments to limit fire growth.

The Loch Katrine Fire is estimated at 1,620 acres. Among the many resources that have arrived, 5 hand crews and about a dozen engines joined the efforts yesterday and will continue forward through the duration of the incident. Monday, ground resources scouted access points around the fire and planned strategies to safely engage at strategic points and find opportunities to limit fire spread and minimize impacts to values at risk. Due to the topography, it is difficult for crews to access the fireline directly, so work is focused on improving nearby roads and other areas as containment lines as well as establishing safety zones. Some small-scale burning operations, designed to remove unburned fuel between control lines and the fire’s edge, are ongoing to strengthen and secure the lines and gain containment. This work, combined with aviation support, will continue today.

The Suiattle River Fire is 3,704 acres as of October 17, 2022. Fire activity was reduced yesterday with the moderated weather conditions. The primary objectives on the Suiattle River Fire are to minimize impact to; private structures and property, Bureau of Land Management land, critical cultural resources, high value timber land, and Forest Service Infrastructure (Suiattle Guard Station, Buck Creek Campground and the Darrington Seed Orchard). Firefighters have been successful at securing the fire along Forest Service Road 26 and the Suiattle River. A total of 50 fire personnel are engaged with aviation assets deployed as needed for support on the ground where water drops can be effective.

The Boulder Lake Fire is 2,016 acres and is most active on the west flank above Big Creek. Fire activity was reduced yesterday with the moderated weather conditions. Fire managers are assessing tactics that will minimize potential impacts to values including private land and Washington Department of Natural Resources land.

Evacuation: Level 3(GO) evacuations are in place for the Suiattle River Fire in the Lower Suiattle River Valley. No other evacuations are currently in place for the other fires.

Weather: Today will remain warmer and drier than normal for mid-October. The fire areas have not experienced rain for over 40 days. Patchy fog in the morning with Sunny afternoons. Highs in the mid 60s to 70s. Light westerly winds around 8mph in the afternoon.

Smoke: Mixed smoke with fog in the early mornings and late nights as the inversion sets in. Air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups from Bellingham to Seattle, with the heaviest impacts in the Darrington area. Smoke column may be visible from both the I-90 and I-405 highway corridors.

Closures: For public safety, the Suiattle River Road is closed at the junction with Highway 530. Due to their proximity to the Suiattle River Fire, the Darrington Ranger District has closed the Suiattle River Road (Forest Road 26) Recreation facilities and trails: Buck Creek Campground, Boulder Lake Trail, Huckleberry Mountain Trail, Buck Creek Trail, Green Mountain Trail, Downey Creek Trail, Suiattle Trail, Sulphur Creek Trail, and Sulphur Mountain Trail.

Online: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8447/ ● Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - US Forest Service ● fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-notices
Fire Information Line: 425-386-1354, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Email: 2022.lochkatrine@firenet.gov

Loch Katrine, Suiattle River and Boulder Lake Fires 
Daily Update, October 17, 2022 

 The Murphy Lake Fire 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. It began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to an estimated 371 acres. The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in moderate additional growth on both flanks and spotting to the north along the ridgeline. The ridge top location of the fire is producing backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials into the Surprise Creek drainage. Unseasonably warm temperatures and low relative humidity will likely result in moderate fire activity and additional growth today.

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 moist 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 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.

Restrictions: A burn ban remains in effect until significant rain is received.

The Murphy Lake Fire 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. It began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to an estimated 170 acres. The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in moderate additional growth. The ridge top location of the fire is producing primarily backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials. Low relative humidity and easterly winds will likely result in increased fire activity and additional growth.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area for low relative humidity and easterly winds. The Warning is in effect through 5 p.m. Sunday. The combination of wind, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid rates of spread and down-wind spotting on existing fires.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) 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 Facebook Page  The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed.  Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire situation.

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.

The Murphy Lake Fire 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. It began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to an estimated 88 acres. The fire remained active throughout the day yesterday resulting in additional growth which has not yet been measured. The ridge top location of the fire is producing primarily backing fire spread on steep slopes, accelerated by rolling materials. Low relative humidity and easterly winds will likely result in increased activity and additional growth.

Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the fire area for low relative humidity and easterly winds. The Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. today through 5 p.m. Sunday. The combination of wind, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to rapid rates of spread and down-wind spotting on existing fires.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) 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 Facebook Page  The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed.  Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire situation.

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.

Other Fire Information:  The Murphy Lake Fire began from a lightning strike on August 18 and has grown to 88 acres. 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. Fire behavior has become more active over the ridge tops with minimal movement as it slowly backs down the steep slopes. Warm and dry weather conditions will increase fire activity during the day with flare-ups during the afternoon hours. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCTA) 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 Facebook Page . The Surprise Lake trail that begins off of Hwy 2 and the Trap Pass Trail are also closed.  Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire situation.

Fire size: 1,796 acres
Resources assigned: 380
Containment:  5% 

CAMAS, Wash. – Cooler temperatures and high relative humidity aided firefighters out on the line of the Nakia Creek fire overnight, allowing resources to continue to make steady progress on creating fuel breaks around the fire, or ‘fire line.’ These conditions helped to naturally decrease fire behavior, however fog greatly limited visibility, which increased risks to firefighters.

Following an infrared (IR) flight, the acreage of the fire has been updated to 1,796. This small amount of growth is natural while lines are still being created and are a direct reflection of the fire’s behavior; flames on the line are reported to be creeping in nature for the most part, and not making large, dangerous runs. Three small spot fires were found to the north and northwest of the main body of the fire on Monday. Resources were immediately dispatched to these areas and were able to complete a fire line around all of them, keeping them small in size. Overnight, firefighters were able to bolster these lines and begin mop-up work. Structural task forces remained near homes overnight to monitor and protect neighborhoods.

Today, firefighters will continue to focus on building fire lines, both by hand and with bulldozers where possible. By creating these lines, firefighters are working to keep the fire as small as possible. An additional 140 resources are arriving today, which will help push progress forward. Safety remains in the forefront of firefighter’s minds, as additional hazards are being identified. Rolling debris is a concern in areas with steep terrain, posing risks to firefighters working downslope. Crews will also be on the lookout for hazard trees and other dangerous situations.

Weather conditions are expected to improve later this morning, which will allow for the use of aircraft. Four Type 1 helicopters, three Type 2 helicopters, two CL415 water scooper planes and an air attack platform are assigned to the fire today, with additional aircraft available to call if needed. These resources are particularly helpful in difficult to reach areas for our ground crews. Sunny conditions in the low 70’s and light wind are forecast, and firefighters are taking these factors into consideration on the line and anticipating how it may affect fire behavior today.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office have not changed at this time. Residents can search their address for current evacuation levels here: https://tinyurl.com/NakiaCreekEvacs

Evacuations also include the Larch Mountain Corrections Center. Please check with the Washington Department of Corrections for further information.

Sign up for county alerts: http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/alerts-warnings/

Additional resources:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRESA.911

Twitter: https://twitter.com/waDNR_fire

DNR Website: Information on Wildfires | WA - DNR

Fire size: 1,565 acres
Resources assigned: 380
Incident Commander Matt Howard, ODF Team 2

CAMAS, Wash. – Firefighters assigned to the Nakia Creek Fire, located nine miles northeast of Camas, Washington, continue to make progress in lining the perimeter of the fire. It’s currently 1,565 acres and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest in Clark County, Washington. Containment is currently estimated to be 5%. An update on acreage and containment will be available in Tuesday morning’s update.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 2, a Type 1 qualified team, has officially taken operational control of the incident as of 7 p.m. Monday, working under the delegation from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Clark County Fire Districts 3 and 13 and East County Fire and Rescue. The team was brought in through the Northwest Wildland Fire Protection Agreement, an international compact that allows the sharing of resources between Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and five Canadian Provinces. The team’s main goals are to keep the fire in as small a footprint as possible and put it out quickly while protecting the area’s natural resources, providing for the safety of both residents and firefighters.

“We need to identify and mitigate hazards as much as we can,” Incident Commander Matt Howard stated. “Keeping safety in the forefront of our mind is important, especially as we bring in more resources to this incident. By taking care of our folks, we can better take care of these communities that are affected by this fire.”

Portions of the terrain are very steep, and hazard trees or ‘snags’ have been identified in certain areas, which can create dangerous conditions for firefighters on the ground. Resources are continuing to dig handline and utilize bulldozers where possible to create fire fuel breaks in vegetation while keeping safety in mind. Due to clearer conditions, numerous types of aircraft were able to fly the fire and strategically drop both water and retardant. Meanwhile, Washington State Mobilization resources have been activated and continue to protect the homes that are near the fire perimeter.

More than 50 people make up ODF IMT 2, which will allow management of a larger number of resources and relieve the pressure on local resources. While approximately 300 firefighters were assigned to the incident today, an additional 140 will be brought on for Tuesday’s dayshift. Resource orders include numerous bulldozers, hand crews and tree fallers, along with engines and portable tanks for water.

The Nakia Fire was first reported Sunday, October 9 at approximately 3:45 p.m. It has been determined to be human-caused, however the investigation is ongoing. While some evacuation levels have been reduced, road closures near the fire remains in place. Please be aware of potential closures and keep out of closed areas, as marked by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Evacuations: Evacuations have been put in place by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Residents can search their address for current evacuation levels here: https://tinyurl.com/NakiaCreekEvacs

Evacuations also include the Larch Mountain Corrections Center. Please check with the Washington Department of Corrections for further information.

Sign up for county alerts: http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/alerts-warnings/

Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 17, 2022 10:00am

Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire grew to an estimated 1565 acres today as strong dynamic east winds pushed the fire to the south west. An infrared flight was able to fly last night to give a more accurate number of acres burned. Containment is estimated at 5%.  Progress has been limited by strong winds and smoke. A Type 1 Incident Management Team, Oregon Department of Forestry Team 2 will take over command of the fire at 7:00pm today. Evacuations remain in place.

Fire Behavior: Around 0730 Sunday morning October 16 night shift resources reported fire across the dozer line, in-between the L-1500 and L 1560 roads. Fire behavior was active, with short downhill runs and flame lengths of 4-8 feet. The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Fire behavior: wind driven runs, isolated single tree torching and short range spotting. Today’s resources will be actively engaged when safe to do so. Structure protection resources are assigned to the Creswell Heights and Livingston Mt. area. The potential for fire growth remains.

Structure protection has been assigned to the Creswell and Livingston Mt area.

Weather: Better humidity recovery last evening is assisting in the firefighting efforts. Dry weather continues and a light onshore winds are expected this afternoon. Continued very warm and dry conditions will remain across the region.

Closures: Closures are in place for public and firefighter safety. Map of Closures

Trails: All trails and trailheads (motorized and non-motorized) are closed in the level 3 evacuation area of the Larch Block in the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

Roads: Current Road closures. All roads are closed in the level 3 evacuation area of the Larch Block in the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

Evacuations:  Evacuation levels are in effect and are being accessed for changes.  Please visit http://cresa911.org/blog/ often for changes and current information on areas currently under an evacuation level notice.

Due to fire behavior the Clark Regional Emergency Services, in co-ordination with Washington Department of Natural Resources, have issued evacuation notifications for the Nakia Creek Fire.  

Level 1 – Get Ready

Level 2 – Get Set

Level 3 - GO

Sign up for county alerts: http://cresa911.org/emergency-management/alerts-warnings/

Size: 1565 acres with potential for growth. Containment: 5%. New map will be available once Infrared flights can be flown.

Cause: Human Caused. Please contact the Clark County Fire Marshal Office if you have information regarding the cause of the fire at 564-397-3320.

Public Information Officers: Sharon Steriti 360-852-3390, Trina Contreras 206-949-1720

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8420   

DNR Website: Information on Wildfires | WA - DNR

Fire Smoke and Air Map: Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov)