Approximately 50 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail are closed between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass due to concerns over the Three Queens Fire.
The lightning-caused Three Queens Fire started on July 15, six miles east of Snoqualmie Pass, and is now just over 3,530 acres. There are 403 personnel fighting the fire, with four helicopters as air resources. The fire is 0% contained and no structures have been lost.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest issued an updated closure order on Wednesday, restricting public access in the Cle Elum Ranger District “to protect public safety and to support firefighters working in steep and hazardous terrain.”
The Forest Service says access trails entering the PCT corridor are affected, and the wider closure prohibits all public entry within the defined area.
Overall, 36 trails and 30 roads are affected by the closure order, which was first issued on Tuesday, as well as 21 developed sites including campgrounds and trailheads.
“Firefighters continue suppression operations in rugged terrain within the fire area,” the agency said in a press release. “Visitors should follow current fire restrictions, use caution near fire-affected lands, and report any wildfire by calling 911.”
In its daily update, Incident Management Team Northwest 13 also issued a plea to the public to not enter the closure area. The team says fire progression is continuing along the eastern edge of Kachess Lake and moving south and southeast toward Thorp Creek.
“This section of the fire could complicate containment efforts due to steep terrain, which can cause rolling, burning material that contributes to continued spread,” the update says.
The Forest Service closure order remains in effect through Oct. 31, unless conditions allow modification sooner.
For a full list of closures, visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.