VERLOT — Fire crews are battling a 500-acre complex of lightning-caused fires in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, which has prompted trail closures and warnings from the U.S. Forest Service.
The Miners Complex is burning about 21 miles east of Darrington in the Upper Suiattle Valley, along the Snohomish County and Chelan County border. Photos provided by the Forest Service showed clouds of smoke. The fires are in “extremely steep and rugged terrain” a Forest Service press release said.
No homes are currently threatened, the Forest Service said.
The Miners Complex consists of nine wildfires caused by lightning strikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The fires included in the complex are: Miners fire, Vista Ridge fire, Dolly Creek fire, Sulphur Three fire, Sulphur Four fire, Sulphur Thirty-Four fire, Upper Sulphur Thirty-Two fire, Lower Sulphur Thirty-Two fire and the Plummer Fire.
On Sunday, a Type 3 Incident Management Team took over command of the Miners Complex. With this added support, firefighters will continue to work, depending on terrain and conditions. Traditional firefighting tools to put in containment lines, like dozers, water tenders, and engines are not an option, the Forest Service said.
“Our goal in responding to these wildfires is life-safety above all else- firefighters, pilots, hikers and more,” said Kit Moffitt, interim fire staff officer for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. “We’re going to protect what we can but nothing out there is worth a life.”
The fires stem from dry thunderstorms on July 17 and 18 during a red flag warning. The fires were reported on July 17. That storm caused about 1,000 lightning strikes across Oregon and Washington. Fire managers discovered the fires during reconnaissance flights.
Smoke jumpers were ordered in shortly after and about 20 personnel were working the fire over the weekend, when containment was at 0%.
Fire crews also conducted public safety efforts to warn people on Miners Ridge. Marble Creek Campground and part of Cascade River Road are also closed. Fire crews are working to protect critical infrastructure in the area, like bridges and a historic fire lookout.
“The Upper Suiattle Valley is a very dangerous place to be right now,” Moffit said. “We are already seeing record dry forest conditions, so things are going to burn hot and burn fast unless nature gives us a break.”
All campfires in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will be banned starting Wednesday.
Backcountry overnight permits are no longer being issued in the area.
Closures:
• Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail No. 2000.2 from Mica Lake to Suiattle Pass.
• Suiattle River Trail No. 784.
• Miners Ridge Trail No. 785.
• Buck Creek Pass Trail No. 789.
• Miners Cabin Trail No. 795.
• Grassy Point Trail No. 788.
• Sulphur Mountain Trail No. 794.
• Cascade River Road at and including Marble Creek Campground, Mineral Park Campground, and all tributary roads, trailheads, and trails.
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