Fire crews gain control of Blewett Fire, focus shifts to new 100-acre Swauk Fire

BLEWETT PASS – Firefighting efforts continue along US-97 as crews gain control of the Blewett Fire and efforts shift to the 100-acre Swauk Fire, which started on Sept. 8.

According to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the 17-acre Blewett Fire atop of Blewett Pass is 100 percent lined and mopped up to 100 feet inside the fire line as of Sept. 9. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol it.

The Swauk Fire, located 2 miles north of Lauderdale Junction, started late Sunday afternoon due to a motor vehicle accident on US-97. USFS reported approximately 50 firefighters were on scene throughout the night of Sept.8, including two 20-person crews and two fire engines, with an additional three fire engines and 20-person crew arriving on Sept. 9. Helicopters and air tankers are continuing to assist with firefighting efforts.

US-97 is open to traffic, however, motorists will see delays with alternating flagger-controlled traffic near milepost 151. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling through the fire area.

The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 “Get Ready” notice for the Liberty area and Harkness Road. Deer Gulch in the Liberty area is under a Level 2 “Get Set to Go” advisement.

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