U.S. Forest Service update reveals “Easy Fire” decreased in size by approximately 200 acres

Fire managers were able to fly over the fire on July 19 and accurately map its size. Highway 20 has reopened, but drivers are warned against stopping along their route.

My Bellingham NowPhoto courtesy of US Forest Service

UPDATE: The fire has grown to approximately 150 acres burned as of the night of Friday, July 19.

EASY PASS, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The wildfire that temporarily shut down part of the North Cascades Highway on July 18 does not cover as much of the area as previously thought.

The U.S. Forest Service issued an update on the Easy Fire on July 19 that showed it decreased in size from 300 acres to just over 100 acres. The agency says fire managers were able to fly over the fire and get a more accurate mapping on how far it has spread, which resulted in a smaller size estimation.

The fire was originally sparked by dry lightning storms in the Methow Valley on Wednesday evening. It is burning in dense timber with no existing roads or other natural features that could limit its spread.

Highway 20 between Granite Creek and Rainy Pass Trailhead reopened on July 18, and drivers are being asked not to stop along the road during that stretch.

The fire remains 0% contained as of the morning of July 19.