US-97 closes as brush fire sparks on Blewett Pass summit

BLEWETT PASS – Blewett Pass remains closed due to a seven acre brushfire at its summit.

WSDOT closed US-97 in both directions shortly after 3 p.m. on Sept. 4, with no estimated time of reopening. Northbound traffic is stopped at milepost 149.5 at the junction with state Route 970. Southbound traffic is stopped at milepost 177 just south of Valley Hi. 

According to an update from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), four fire engines, two 20-person crews, two bulldozers, two helicopters and two large air tankers are working on the fire. Structures are nearby, but not threatened. No evacuations have been put into effect. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Smoke will be visible to residents of Kittitas Valley, Cashmere, and Wenatchee, said USFS.

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