Business thanks America 2 for reopening after Bolt Creek fire
WSDOT staff reopened US 2 around 10 a.m. Saturday. Roads reopened about two weeks later due to the Bolt Creek Fire.
Gold bars, wash. – WSDOT staff reopened US 2 around 10 a.m. Saturday. Roads reopened about two weeks later due to the Bolt Creek Fire.
The Bolt Creek Fire started in September. 10. Investigators still do not know the cause of the fire.
Officials are still working to fully control the blaze, which they estimate is now at 10,599 acres.
Previous reports: Bolt Creek fire near Skykomish 96% contained; US 2 to reopen in September. twenty four
The road reopened Saturday morning, although crews were still working along US 2.
“Business has been going down, but we’re doing this to be able to weather pretty much any type of storm. That’s going to be fine. Great, traffic has resumed,” Devon Wetzel said.
Wetzel is the co-owner of Gold Bar’s Sand Bar Tavern.
The company is located along US 2, and Wetzel said most of his customers are people who drive by. So, the past two weeks have been a challenge.
However, even though they didn’t see as many customers, Wetzel said they were still busy.
“Kittitas Fire was in our parking lot for most of the week. So, we just came here. I was there around 9-10am, although I didn’t open until noon. Just helping them just in case they Need, a cup of coffee, a bathroom, you know, just a place to relax,” he said.
Wetzel said he felt fine, and he was able to offer some comfort to the long-term crew to put out the fire.
Also read: Wildfire smoke: How to protect yourself and your home from harmful air quality
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“If they’re willing to do that to help. We should be willing to do our part to help,” he said.
Even though US 2 is open, officials are asking drivers to slow down.
They also said to be careful crossing the fire zone and expected occasional smoke across the road and possible fires on hillsides.
If you encounter these situations, turn on your headlights and drive slowly without stopping.