 Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Dear Neighbor,
We have received inquiries regarding the Bolt Creek and Loch Katrine Fires, both of which are causing heavy air pollution across the district. Emergency responders have been on scene and continue to actively maintain containment lines. The fires and the smoke are both scary and dangerous and we appreciate community engagement during this time. Below are key status updates, resources, and reminders for the public to ensure we all stay as safe as possible.
Bolt Creek Fire Status
The estimated size for the Bolt Creek Fire is 14,618 acres. It is 41% contained with almost 300 personnel engaged. Crews have successfully maintained containment lines during the conditions of very low humidity, high temperatures, and increased wind. Firefighters have also completed a containment line on the northwest flank, east of Index, to limit fire spread to the west and direct fires away from communities and infrastructure at risk.
A Structural Protection Group completed assessment plans and remains focused on protecting structures, particularly on the east side of Index and along the Index-Galena Road, in the event the fire becomes more active. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness.
Hwy 2 is open but may be subject to intermittent closures and delays if debris falls onto the road. Road closure information and status changes are posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter.
Public Information on the Bolt Creek Fire:
- Phone: 360-370-4170
- Hours: 8 am – 7 pm
Loch Katrine Fire Status
The Loch Katrine Fire is still burning exclusively in private timber land and on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest about 13 miles northeast of North Bend and the estimated size is 1,225 acres. While the fire may be visible from both the I-90 and I-405 highway corridors, it is restricted to public and private timber lands and is not currently threatening communities or structures.
Please avoid U.S. Forest Service roads and tail closures in the area. Resources, including aviation, have been arriving to bolster the crews that are out on the fire line and have started to assess the current footprint of the fire area to begin putting plans in place to get around the fires and limit additional spread beyond the perimeters.
Public Information on Loch Katrine Fire:
- Phone: 425-386-1354
- Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
Resources
Check out this tip from the WA Department of Ecology on how to make your own clean air fan.
Find resources and helpful tips for staying safe and healthy regarding smoke and air pollution at wasmoke.blogspot.com.
InciWeb.nwcg.gov is an incident information system that allows you to find access to information in your community, including the Bolt Creek Fire and the Loch Katrine Fire.
Learn more about potential debris flow and the potential warning signs at Weather.gov.
Sign up for ALERT King County, a regional public information and notification service that helps you stay informed about potential hazards and threats that impact your area.
Reminders
All campfires, smoking outside of enclosed vehicles or buildings, and charcoal briquette fires are prohibited throughout the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Please also be extra cautious with anything else that could cause a spark.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke by staying indoors when possible, keeping windows and doors closed, and using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter. Check on friends and neighbors who may be consider part of sensitive groups, especially those with lung or heart disease.
The right mask and proper fit can reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke, but they don't work for everyone. Download the mask safety tips flyer from the Washington Department of Health.
Stay safe,
 Sarah Perry
King County Council
District 3
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