Bolt Creek Fire burns more than 14,000 acres, remains 41% contained

SKYKOMISH, Wash. — The Bolt Creek Wildfire, which started on Sept. 10, is still burning Monday morning, creating problems for firefighters and for the local air quality.

At 41% contained and more than 14,00 acres burned, the fire is not showing signs of easing up.

“It will have to burn out or we will put it out, but we are keeping it from spreading," Don Ferguson the PIO for the Bolt Creek Wildfire said.“We have heavy fuel, steep ground, and record high temps along with record low precipitation.”

Fire officials said without rain, the smoke will continue to linger in the Puget Sound region.

Over the weekend, an air quality alert was issued for western Washington as wildfire smoke continues to plague the Pacific Northwest.

On Saturday, the air in Seattle was officially labeled “unhealthy” due to local wildfire smoke, tipping the AQI (air quality index) over 150.

When the AQI reaches over 150, exposure affects everyone active outdoors and can lead to health problems, especially those in sensitive groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sensitive groups include children, people with heart disease, asthma, and first responders.

"We have a really good chance of heavy rain Friday, maybe an inch of rain, and that will be enough to stop the fire from spreading," Ferguson said.

The air quality alert is in effect until 11 a.m. Monday and wildfire smoke can be found in most of the Puget Sound region.

Firefighters successfully continued progress on containing the Bolt Creek Fire during the weekend's Red Flag conditions. Traffic on US 2 was intermittently delayed while direct suppression continued against the highway.

No delays or closures are planned for Monday, but delays may occur if debris falls onto the road.

Fire officials said as the winds are projected to taper off, the fire area will be re-evaluated prior to the level 1 evacuations being lifted.

"We had a couple of fires take off this week that is a big, big problem," Ferguson said. "This isn't the big problem anymore, we still have fire season ahead."