DIABLO, Wash. — About 11:55pm on Wednesday, July 17th, officials with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced the North Cascades Highway (SR20) was closed in both directions due to a wildfire on timberland near the highway.
The 10-mile closure is between Granite Creek bridge (milepost 148) to Rainy Day Pass (milepost 158) and will remain closed until further notice. Drivers will need to use Steven’s Pass (SR2) or Snoqualmie Pass (I-90) to reach destinations east of the Cascades.
The fire, identified as the “Easy Fire,” was initially reported about 8pm after a lightning storm was reported passing through the Easy Pass area just south of the Whatcom/Skagit County line. It was reported about 9pm to involve about 100 acres.
The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center confirmed this morning, July 18th, that the cause of the fire was lightning. As of 7am, it was considered to be 0% contained.
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As of 9am, there was no estimate available for when the highway may be reopened.
The road closure is necessary to support fire fighting activities and for the safety of the traveling public. During wildfire season, closures of state highways may happen quickly as fire behavior changes. Travelers should plan ahead and expect delays.
– Washington State Department of Transportation (July 18, 2024)
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