Started: 8/5/2023
Cause: Undetermined
Incident #: WA-OWF-000563
IMT: USDA Forest Service
Estimated Containment Status: 10/1/2023

The BLUE LAKE FIRE is still burning and currently listed at 612 acres of timber destroyed. It now has a 37% containment status. Three minor structures are under threat.

About 123 total personnel with 3 crews, 3 helicopters, and 6 engines are assigned to this wildfire incident.

(L) Photo Credit: USFS

Per Fire Officials: While conducting strategic firing operations, a spot fire occurred north of SR20 at approximately 2:30 p.m. yesterday. Air and ground resources on the scene immediately began suppression activity on the new spot fire. The spot fire was identified within the fire’s contingency lines and is estimated at approx-imately 62 acres in size. Crews are actively engaged to contain the spot fire. Soon after the discovery of the spot fire, a structure fire near Mazama was reported to local emergency services. Fire managers from the Blue Lake Fire immediately redirected air and ground resources to assist with the suppression efforts to eliminate the threat to the community of Mazama. The structure fire was contained.

Today, firefighters will continue to monitor fire activity on the southwest flank of the fire near Copper Creek, enhance primary firelines, and validate contingency lines on the north side of the highway. Aerial operations will continue to utilize bucket drops to cool hot spots.

(R) Photo Credit: USFS

SR 20: North Cascades Highway is once again CLOSED between Newhalem (milepost 120) and Silver Star SnoPark (milepost 171) as of 3:30 yesterday. There is currently no estimated time for re-opening. WSDOT crews will remain in close contact with the Incident Management Teams to assess conditions on a daily basis. Please do not disregard closures, they are in place for your safety and the safety of firefighters. Cross-state travel is possible using US 2, US 12, or I-90.

For more information, check the WSDOT pass report for SR20 https://wsdot.com/travel/real-
time/mountain passes/North-Cascade-Hwy The Blue Lake Fire is under a temporary flight restriction – no drone deployment is permitted. If you fly, we can’t.

(Above) Photo Credit: USFS

Trail and area closures are in effect. For detailed closure information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=82649. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed through this area. Check PCTA for closure information https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/washington/. Closures are also in effect for areas of North Cascades National Park due to the Blue Lake Fire. See https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm for more
information.

CTD: $2.3 Million Dollars

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