White Pass and Highway 12 was closed for another night as firefighting continues
White Pass remained closed for a second night Wednesday as the firefighting efforts along Highway 12 continued to grow.
The Cold Creek fire that started in the forest Monday is burning along the highway. Wednesday estimates say the fire had grown to 100 acres.
Level 2 “Get Ready” evacuation notices were in effect, said a tweet from Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest officials.
Eastbound traffic continued to be stopped 13 miles west of the summit, and westbound traffic was stopped two miles west of the junction with Highway 410.
The Washington State Department of Transportation said the pass will remain closed for Wednesday. Officials will decide on Thursday if it is going to open again.
The fire was between Dog Lake and Clear Lake is burning trees and brush in steep terrain, according to Yakima Valley Emergency Management.
Resources arrived throughout the day, and the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team started working to help manage the additional firefighters arriving in the area.
Pictures from the Washington State Department of Transportation show the flames coming right up to the side of the road.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
People living in the area have been alerted to be prepared to evacuate.
I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass is still open.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 3:29 PM.