Swauk Creek Fire remains stable near Blewett Pass

BLEWETT PASS — The Swauk Creek Fire burning near US-97 has shown minimal growth since its ignition over the weekend.

The fire, located about 12 miles east of Cle Elum, is lingering around 30-acres, with 38 percent containment. It was caused by a vehicle accident that occurred near milepost 151 on US-97, shortly after midnight Sunday morning.

According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), a vehicle traveling northbound left the roadway and struck a tree on the east side of the roadway. The driver was Jackson Kenyon, an 18-year-old man from East Wenatchee, who was charged with negligent driving in the second degree. Kenyon was transported to Confluence Health and treated for injuries, said WSP.

The fire has 62 personnel assigned to the fire, including two doers, two water tenders, two crews (38 personnel) and one Interagency Hotshot Crew (24 personnel).

According to fire officials, crews spent Monday continuing to strengthen the line around the fire by searching for hotspots and burning material that may have rolled near the line. Burned and damaged trees were felled to prevent them from falling across the fireline and to protect the crews working in the fire area.

US-97 over Blewett Pass is currently open in both directions, but motorists may see delays in the vicinity of the fire. Washington State Department of Transportation

Road and Highway Closures: Blewett Pass US Highway 97 is currently open in both directions. Motorists should expect flagger-controlled traffic and delays on US 97 between milepost 151 and 152, south of the Blewett Pass. Updates can be found on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s real time travel map.

Evacuations are in effect for the fire. As of Tuesday morning, the Kittitas County Sheriff issued a Level 1 (get ready to evacuate) Fire Advisory for the town of Liberty, and a Level l 2 (get set to evacuate) for Lauderdale Lane, Liberty Cafe, Forbes Lane, Shamrock Lane, China Camp Road, and Bittersweet Drive.

The department removed previous evacuation orders for Burke Road, Ranch Road, Micheletto Road, and Swauk Creek Lane.

For the most up to date evacuation orders, visit the Kittitas County Sheriff's Facebook.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media