SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., September 13, 2022—The Bolt Creek Fire started on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 5:15 am near Beckler Road. The cause of the fire is undetermined. Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander Kevin Stock, assumed management of the fire from Western Washington Incident Management Team 3 this morning.
FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THE FIRE FROM SNOHOMISH COUNTY GOVT, CLICK HERE.
EVACUATION LEVELS
Fire movement has slowed over the past 24 hours. New guidance:
- 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 Ready level.
- Baring and Grotto and area along U.S. after MP 48 (east of the Money Creek tunnel) will remain at Level 3. Additionally, FS Road 65 (Beckler River Road) is at level 3. Skykomish will remain at level 1.
- U.S. 2 remains closed from Index-Galena Road to milepost 49 (east end of Skykomish). The highway remains unsafe to travel due to rock fall and fire debris.
Please understand that the fire remains active and conditions could change quickly. Evacuations could again become necessary.
US 2 remains closed between MP 31 and 49 as the #BoltCreekFire burns in that area. We do not have an estimate on when the road will reopen. Our crews are supporting firefighters and other EMS as they work to make progress against this fire. pic.twitter.com/nPgthSrMZC
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) September 13, 2022
Earlier Updates
The fire remained north of Highway 2 except at the Money Creek Tunnel where fire burned directly on top of the tunnel. Visibility was adequate to safely launch a heavy helicopter to provide water bucket drops to check the fire spread. The fire has burned down to the highway in multiple locations and firefighters worked along the highway to prevent the fire from crossing. Firefighters completed structure protection in Baring and Grotto by creating defensible space and installing hose lays to protect buildings if fire moves into the area.
Weather and Behavior: Conditions today will be cooler with temperature 58-64°F, minimum relative humidity near 87%, and excellent humidity recovery overnight. Winds will be light becoming northwest at 5-6 mph in the afternoon. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, mainly to the east.
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.
Evacuation and 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.
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.
Even though the area received scattered precipitation, new fire starts are very possible. Remember, “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.”
Content Source: Snohomish County Dave Somers Press Release
