Highway 2 in Washington reopens as Bolt Creek fire calms

U.S. Highway 2 between Index and Skykomish reopened about 10 a.m. Saturday, unlocking a critical travel route shut down for two weeks as crews have fought to control the Bolt Creek fire.

The highway, for the moment, has a reduced speed limit of 30 mph. “This remains an evolving situation and your patience is appreciated as clean up and fire fighting efforts continue,” the Washington State Department of Transportation tweeted.

Authorities closed that section of the highway Sept. 10, as the fire spread from a reported 20 acres early that day to more than 2,000 acres that night.

To ready Highway 2, crews removed falling trees and rocks, and those at risk of toppling onto the road, according to the state transportation department. Due to the evolving situation, the department advised travelers to follow all posted signs.

The Bolt Creek wildfire near Index was smoldering on about 10,500 acres Friday, when it was considered 96% contained. It could be fully contained by Oct. 1, said Thomas Kyle-Milward, wildfire spokesperson for the state Department of Natural Resources.

Cooler temperatures and relatively high humidity have helped firefighters, Kyle-Milward said. On the western edge, the fire Friday was burning down steep hillsides toward a containment line drawn by fire crews. The fire was most active Friday on the eastern side, near Skykomish.