DARRINGTON — Three wildfires were burning Wednesday in remote forest northeast of Darrington, closing roads, trails and campgrounds and bringing in wildfire smoke.
There was no risk to populated areas around Darrington as of Wednesday, Darrington Deputy Fire Chief Drew Bono said.
“That doesn’t negate the fact that people should remain vigilant to the changes,” he said.
U.S. Forest Service fire crews responded to the three lightning-caused fires around Huckleberry Mountain, near Boulder Lake, Lake Toketie and the Suiattle River. The Boulder Lake fire was estimated at about 80 to 100 acres and the Lake Toketie fire 50 acres, according to the Forest Service. The Suiattle River fire was estimated at 3 acres.
Suiattle River Road was closed at the National Forest boundary for public safety. The following were also closed: Buck Creek campground, the Boulder Lake trail, the Huckleberry Mountain trail, the Buck Creek trail, the Green Mountain trail, the Downey Creek trail, the Suiattle River trail, the Sulphur Creek trail, the Sulphur Mountain trail and the Tenas Creek trail.
Hikers and others recreating in the area should check with the Darrington Ranger District for additional road and trail closures. The station can be reached at 360-436-1155.
The skies around Darrington were hazy this week as wildfire smoke rolled in. The state’s air monitoring network ranked the air quality as moderate on Wednesday. At that level, people who are especially sensitive to particulate pollution may want to limit time outside. Air quality is expected to improve Thursday, according to the Northwest Clear Air Agency.
Wednesday was the hottest day of the week with highs in the upper 80s. Temperatures are expected to drop into the low 80s and upper 70s in time for Labor Day weekend.
Hot weather and dry vegetation are ripe conditions for wildfires. The Forest Service urged visitors to follow fire restrictions in their area when recreating.
This story has been updated.
Jacqueline Allison: 425-339-3434; jacqueline.allison@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jacq_allison.
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