Blewett Pass near Wenatchee and Leavenworth Reopens After Brush Fire

Highway 2 Reopens Following Wildfire Closure

Blewett Pass has reopened to traffic after a brush fire closed the highway for several hours on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The fire, which started near milepost 97, was quickly contained by firefighters, but the highway was closed as a precaution.

The fire was reported around 12:30 p.m. and quickly spread to about 10 acres. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze by 3:30 p.m., and the highway was reopened to traffic around 5 p.m.

There were no injuries reported in the fire, and the cause is still under investigation.

What Caused the Blewett Pass Fire?

The cause of the Blewett Pass fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been caused by a vehicle fire.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), a semi-truck caught fire on the westbound side of the highway near milepost 97 around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

The fire quickly spread to the brush alongside the highway, and the strong winds fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly.

How Did Firefighters Contain the Blewett Pass Fire?

Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the Blewett Pass fire, including the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Chelan County Fire District, and the Okanogan County Fire District.

Firefighters used a combination of ground crews and air tankers to fight the fire. The ground crews used hand tools and bulldozers to create fire lines, while the air tankers dropped water and fire retardant on the blaze.

The firefighters were able to contain the fire to about 10 acres, and no structures were damaged.

When Did Blewett Pass Reopen?

Blewett Pass reopened to traffic around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

The highway was closed for several hours while firefighters worked to contain the fire.

WSDOT crews worked quickly to clear the highway of debris, and the road was reopened to traffic as soon as it was safe to do so.