Wildfire near Diablo Lake continues to grow

DIABLO, Wash. – A wildfire in the North Cascades of Whatcom County has grown significantly overnight.

Fire officials say the Sourdough Fire has now burned up to 534 acres and is still 0% contained as of Friday, August 4th.

It is burning in extremely steep terrain that is making it dangerous and inaccessible for firefighters to reach on the ground.

The fire is expected to burn for weeks before being contained.

Crews on the scene are wary of the fire’s slow spread towards Seattle City Light’s hydroelectric power plant and the homes for its workers.

Spokesperson Pete Irvine says they are making plans to keep it away from that area.

Closures are in place for Sourdough and Pierce Mountain camps, Gorge Lake Campground and the road into the town of Diablo.

Motorists are urged not to pull over along Highway 20 near the Diablo Dam.

The fire was first reported last Saturday, July 29th, and officials say it was caused by a lightning strike.