KING

Evacuation orders and trail closures remain in effect near Snoqualmie Pass

The King Fire is burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness northeast of Snoqualmie Pass and is tracking slowly southward. Recent rain and higher humidity have moderated fire activity to creeping and smoldering in heavy timber fuels, with occasional torching. Kittitas County communities remain under evacuation notices as crews monitor control lines and fire movement.

Evacuations and Closures

• September 8, 2026: Level 3 (Go Now), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 1 (Be Ready) evacuation alerts remain active for the fire complex in Kittitas County; residents should follow the county emergency management map and alert system.
• September 7, 2026: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest closure order 06-17-03-2026-36 remains in effect, closing the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass, as well as recreation sites at Pete Lake, Rachel Lake, and Mineral Creek.

Impact

Wildfire smoke is affecting local air quality, prompting officials to distribute free protective masks to residents at the Kittitas County Public Health building in Ellensburg and the Upper Kittitas County District Court in Cle Elum. No structural damage or injuries have been reported.

Conditions and Outlook

A brief warming and drying trend with breezy westerly winds will elevate fire activity in unburned interior pockets before cooler temperatures, humidity recovery, and drizzle arrive later in the week. Crews continue to monitor the fire's southward progression using ground lookouts and aircraft bucket drops. Northwest Team 2 assumes incident management to maintain containment features and community protections.

Cause and Context

Lightning ignited the King Fire on August 19, 2026, in steep wilderness terrain. It is being managed alongside the Three Queens and Goat fires as part of a larger complex in Kittitas County.

Official updates current through September 8, 2026.