Skykomish

U.S. Highway 2 through Tumwater Canyon has reopened between Skykomish and Leavenworth after a two-month flood closure, restoring cross-state access.

And then there are really small towns. Like Skykomish, here in the state of Washington. The tiny town has a total area of 0.33 square miles. Its current population is about 160 people. The population peaked in the 1930’s when the census count was 562. You can almost fit the whole population into the town’s favorite local pub called, Whistling Post Saloon. Where when the train cruises by and blows the whistle…they serve up free shots.

Winds are blowing from the west and pushing smoke into Eastern Washington.

Drivers are asked to drive at reduced speeds while traveling through the fire area.

U.S. Highway 2 is closed again as the Bolt Creek Fire has moved closer to the road. It's currently closed for a four mile stretch near the town of Skykomish to between the Money Creek Tunnel and the ranger station. Another closure is at the 5th Street bridge and the highway. ...

The Bolt Creek Fire is moving near the Skykomish community while it burns across steep slopes heading west and north.  A fire weather watch is in place for the next 48 hours for the fire with temperatures in the mid-80's and low humidity expected Monday and Tuesday.  ...

There may be single-lane closures in the near future while WSDOT crews repair guardrails.

Hazards along US 2 remain at an all time high due to rollout from the steep terrain, resulting in rolling debris and falling trees.

A bigger Type 2 Incident Management Team - Northwest Team 8 - is replacing the locally based Type 3 Team that was handling the fire since it started Saturday morning just after 5 am.