EASY PASS, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new wildfire forced part of the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) to close on Thursday, July 18 but has recently reopened.

The portion of Highway 20 between mile post 148 at Granite Creek and mile post 158 Rainy Pass Trailhead reopened at 4 p.m. It was previously closed because of a wildfire, named the Easy Fire, burning about half a mile from the roadway.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is urging drivers not to stop on that stretch of the highway after its reopening.

The agency adds that travelers should anticipate unplanned closures on the pass as the Easy Fire burns on.

It was first reported around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday following a lightning strike.

The fire is burning around 300 acres as of Thursday afternoon and is currently 0% contained.