Evacuation notices upgraded for Bolt Creek Fire amid ‘dry and unstable conditions’

The Bolt Creek Fire continues to burn in Snohomish County, now burning 11,277 acres and is only 7% contained.

The west side of the Money Creek tunnel to milepost 48, and Forest Service Road 65 are under Level 3 orders, meaning to leave now.

Over the weekend evacuation levels were updated and as of now Skykomish, Baring, Grotto and the area along U.S. 2 East to the Money Creek tunnel are under a Level 2 evacuation notice, meaning to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

There’s a Red Flag Warning in effect Monday from noon till 7 p.m. Fire officials say the biggest concern are the humidity levels, which continue to drop, with Snohomish County warning of “dry and unstable conditions.”

Over 150 firefighters are battling the Bolt Creek Fire. Officials say part of the fire is burning in an area that is not accessible.

“It’s burning through a lot of mountains, a lot of areas where it’s just not accessible and the biggest piece we’re having right now and the biggest reason for the evacuation changes are right along just North Skykomish, we’re having a lot of intense heat with some scattered heat in here and it’s staying right along this side,” said Andy Nesmith, a PIO working the Bolt Creek Fire.

“It’s a precaution so if things do change and the weather does change today… we’re prepared to get these folks out,” said Nesmith.

Fire officials say the fire has been moving slow, but the concern Monday is the Red Flag Warning.

“The biggest concern for us today is the humidity levels, they are dropping down which continues to dry out especially the finer fuels, the smaller fuels will continue to dry out a little quicker which makes then most suspectable to fire,” said Nesmith.

A small brush fire shut down the eastbound side of Highway 2 at Main Street Monday morning. Highway 2 is now reopened but officials are asking drivers to be cautious and keep an eye out for firefighters.

“We’re just reminding to the public to please slow down there, especially when you see fire fighters working in that area,” said Nesmith.

Complete information on the updated evacuation levels can be found here.

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