DARRINGTON — Hot, dry and windy conditions were expected to stoke three lightning-caused fires burning in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Darrington.
A red flag warning was in effect until midnight Wednesday. A community meeting to provide information on the fire was planned for Thursday evening in Darrington.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, cooler weather and scattered rain showers had helped to calm the three fires north of Suiattle River Road. The total forest estimated to be on fire Tuesday was 200 acres fewer than the previous day.
“Acreage estimates for Suiattle River Fire and Boulder Lake Fire have been adjusted downwards due to the availability of improved mapping capability,” according to a news release.
The Suiattle River fire had been measured at 70 acres, but had been downgraded to 47 by Tuesday.
The Boulder Lake fire was estimated at 985 acres. It’s now closer to 617.
The Lake Toketie fire was at 265 acres. The estimate had increased to 457.
The Suiattle River fire is the closest to private property and other “value assets” in the Lower Suiattle River Valley. It has been firefighters’ priority. Crews have been working to create a containment line around the fire and remove fuels, such as dry brush. As of Tuesday afternoon, containment for all three fires was at zero percent.
A Level 1 “Be Ready” Evacuation Notice remains in place for the lower Suiattle Valley, north of the Suiattle River. The alert means residents should be ready to leave: “There is no immediate danger to your home, family or business, but the fire or other danger may be moving toward you.”
Trails, roads and campgrounds near the fires remain closed. Closures include Suiattle River Road (Forest Road 26) at the 10½ mile marker, Buck Creek campground, the Boulder Lake trail, the Huckleberry Mountain trail, the Buck Creek trail, the Green Mountain trail, the Downey Creek trail, the Suiattle River trail, the Sulphur Creek trail, the Sulphur Mountain trail and the Tenas Creek trail.
Contact the Darrington Ranger Station at 360-436-1155 for updated trail and road closures, or check the Forest Service’s website.
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