The fire that is blocking travel on the North Cascades Highway, creating a huge barrier to Methow Valley tourism traffic, remains 0 percent contained this week, the Upper Skagit Complex incident command reported on Tuesday (Aug. 25).
Highway 20 remains closed from the town of Newhalem to Rainy Pass (milepost 157) due to hazardous road conditions, according to the incident command update. “The fire has loosened soil, rock, and vegetation which continue to move down the steep slopes onto the roadway, creating a continuing unpredictable driving hazard,” the report said.
The Upper Skagit Complex Fire, caused by a lightning strike, started earlier this month and now covers more than 5,600 acres. Much of it is in North Cascades National Park north of Marblemount.
The fire was being fought by a total of 176 personnel, including three hand crews, one helicopter, six engines, and a water tender, the report said. Cost of fighting the fire totaled $767,000 this week.
According to the incident command report, “the significant smoke plume visible on Monday afternoon [Aug. 24] was the result of the Goodell Fire expanding 855 acres with most of the growth on its southwest flank in Newhalem Creek drainage.
“The fire also progressed on its northeast and eastern flanks. With the marine air flow improving smoke conditions, fire managers were able to utilize air resources to more accurately map many of the fires in the complex. Evacuations remain in effect in the Newhalem and Diablo area.”
Firefighters continued with structure protection measures in Newhalem and Diablo, as well as around the National Park Visitor Center, the report said. Multiple trail, campground, and boat launch closures remain in effect. North Cascades National Park Complex closures are found at www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/current-park-conditions.htm.
