Hot weather hampers efforts to fight wildfire near Darrington

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 4, 2017

DARRINGTON — A 200-acre wildfire continues to burn near Darrington.

The hot temperatures this week have made it difficult for firefighters, officials said Friday. Crews worked to remove dry brush from the fire’s path.

Additional crews, helicopters, engines and water were brought in Thursday.

The U.S. Forest Service has closed forest land near the Suiattle wildfire, including the popular Boulder Lake and Huckleberry trailheads.

The fire began Sunday near Suiattle River Road. Flames have spread across federal land, including the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Officials asked that people avoid the area because of emergency vehicle traffic and smoke. The air quality has dropped to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.

The poor air quality prompted a burn ban, which went into effect Wednesday afternoon for all of Snohomish County. People can’t use charcoal barbecues, fire pits, fireplaces, campfires or bonfires.

Check with local fire departments or campground hosts for up-to-date restrictions.