US 97 reopens after a fire near the summit of Blewett Pass
Traffic on US 97 reopened after fire near Blewett Pass
Following last weekend’s brush fire that closed US 97 at Blewett Pass for several hours, the roadway has been fully reopened to traffic. Firefighters kept the fire from spreading, which was located 2 miles north of the pass at milepost 164. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the fire was first reported last Saturday at approximately 1:45 p.m.
The fire burned almost 20 acres before crews were able to bring it under control. The closure caused significant traffic delays and backups in both directions. DOT crews and firefighters were on the scene until 7:15 p.m. working to extinguish the blaze and clear the highway.
No injuries were reported from the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Officials urge motorists to use extra caution when driving through the pass, and to be prepared for potential delays.
