SR20 Closed due to Wildfire near Newhalem

Newhalem, WA: SR 20 is closed near Newhalem due to a wildfire In the area.

Washington State Dot says,  “SR 20 is closed between milepost 118 and milepost 125. The duration of the closure is not known. The fire is pushing smoke across the roadway and could cause debris to fall onto the highway. The highway will reopen when conditions are safe.”

According to the North Cascade National Park Service the “Goodell Fire” burned down to and crossed State Route 20 this afternoon causing a rock slide. The Department of Transportation has closed the highway while firefighters and helicopters work to slow the fire’s spread, remove the debris and make the popular scenic route safe for travelers again. The North Cascades Visitor Center, the Upper and Lower Goodell group camps, and Newhalem Creek Campground are closed due to concern for visitor safety.

State Route 20, the North Cascades Scenic Byway, is closed from Newhalem to Rainy Pass until further notice. Evacuations are in place for the town Diablo, Gorge Campground, North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, and Ross Lake Resort.

 

Around 4:30 Pm, Skagit 9-1-1 sent out tones to the Sedro Woolley, Burlington, Lyman, Punkin Center, Grassmere and District 6 fire departments for a Special Assignment. These departments are sending units to  assist with structure protection and will assist in one way or another with firefighting efforts in and around Newhalem.

Fire Information from the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center hasn’t been updated on the Newhalem fire, (which they dubbed the Thursday Creek Fire,)  since 8/14.  At that time they stated the fire was at 421 acres. They also stated “Fire has minimal staffing due to resources allocated to other priority fires. Threat and risk to safety of public (recreationalsists) is a concern. Fire behavior requires support from air resources for firefighter safety.”  Click on the above link to be taken to their website.

Information from National Park Service can be found here. 

 

As of 4:50 pm on 08/19/2105, The department of Transportation says  SR 20 from Newhalem to west of Winthrop will not open anytime soon. Plan on a long-term closure and take alternate  routes. 

This story is on going and will be updated as we receive additional information.