Spate of quakes around Mount Rainier

SEATTLE — Scientists in Washington state say there has been a spate of earthquakes around Mount Rainier in recent weeks but that it isn’t a concern.

Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network’s Bill Steele says the activity is normal. But he says scientists are watching the volcano a closer because of two quakes recorded Friday. The first was a 3.4 magnitude quake that struck west of the mountain near Ashford. It was followed about an hour later with a 2.9 magnitude quake under the volcano.

University of Washington emeritus professor Steve Malone says data shows at least seven earthquakes in two weeks. He says there are frequently earthquakes around Rainier, averaging several each month, and that recent activity shouldn’t cause alarm.