SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — A complex of nine wildfires burning in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has closed a number of campgrounds and trails in the North Cascades. Fire officials say the Miners Complex fires continue to threaten the Miners Ridge Lookout and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Lightning strikes are responsible for igniting the fires on July 17.
The nine wildfires have burned an estimated 500 acres and are located approximately 21 miles east of Darrington. Fire officials say no homes are threatened as of Monday, but a number of campgrounds, trails and access roads are closed.
“The Upper Suiattle Valley is a very dangerous place to be right now,” said Kit Moffit, interim fire staff officer for the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, in a release. “We are already seeing record dry forest conditions, so things are going to burn hot and burn fast unless nature gives us a break.”
Trail closures include:
- Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000.2 from Mica Lake to Suiattle Pass
- Suiattle River Trail #784
- Miners Ridge Trail #785
- Buck Creek Pass Trail #789
- Miners Cabin Trail #795
- Grassy Point Trail #788
- Sulphur Mountain Trail #794
Campgrounds and road closures include access to the popular Cascade River Road at and including Marble Creek Campground, Mineral Park Campground, and all tributary roads, trailheads and trails.
Fire crews have been conducting trail sweeps to alert hikers.
RELATED: Full list of closures
The complex fire behavior is described as "creeping with low flame and slow spread," according to fire officials.
The complex includes these nine fires: Miners, Vista Ridge, Dolly Creek, Sulphur Three, Sulphur Four, Sulphur Thirty-Four, Upper Sulphur Thirty-Two and Plummer.
Fire officials said Monday that the five Sulphur Fires are the most active and have grown together.
Cooler weather over the next few days could slow growth.
However, the location of the fires deep in the wilderness with few natural breaks or existing roads for access mean options for containing or fighting the fires are limited. Fire officials said traditional tools such as dozers, engines and water tenders cannot be used, but firefighters are engaging the complex where possible.