Bolt Creek Fire closes US 2 again; Level 3 and 2 evacuation orders still in place

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Just days after reopening, U.S. 2 is closed again because of the Bolt Creek Fire and evacuation orders have remained the same since Monday.

The wildfire has burned more than 11,000 acres so far and continues to spread.

Currently, U.S. 2 is closed for 4 miles between mileposts 46 and 50, which is between Northeast Old Cascade Highway and Skykomish. The highway closed again Monday night after only being reopened for a few days.

The good news is that the size of the closure is much smaller than it was when Highway 2 previously closed, and Stevens Pass is open. The first closure began on Sept. 10 when the Bolt Creek wildfire erupted. Hundreds of trees were damaged and some fell onto the road or were close enough to the highway to pose a threat. U.S. 2 did not reopen for two weeks.

Crews said closing a major byway is not a decision that is taken lightly but is a necessity as they continue to clear debris, put out hot spots and remove burning and hazardous trees.

Evacuation orders have not changed since Monday. There are level 3 evacuation orders — leave now — in place from the west side of Monday Creek Tunnel to milepost 48 and Beckler River Road.

Skykomish, Baring, Grotto and U.S. 2 east to the Money Creek Tunnel are under level 2 evacuation orders, which means be ready to evacuate.

Crews are doing what they can to protect nearby homes as the fire is only 7% contained.

They shared photos of some of their structure protection efforts, including digging, handling, laying hoses and setting up sprinkler systems.

Crews said they have completed 96% of their work to set up containment lines along Highway 2 and smaller roads, but the fire itself is still burning toward those lines, so technically, it is not contained.

“Now with the change in weather, it’s unpredictable, things could change. So, we just want the public to be aware and ready. That’s why we went into the level 2 evacuations,” said Bolt Creek Fire spokesperson Lauren Woras.

Crews are standing along the highway and other containment lines, keeping an eye on the fire, but they said drivers passing by are presenting even more trouble for firefighters.

“It makes it super dangerous for them on the side of the highway,” said Woras. “We still have falling trees and rolling rocks coming down. So, we want people to be aware, in a fire area the ground is really unstable.”

The speed limit on U.S. 2 in the area has been reduced to 35 mph.

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