THREE QUEENS

Evacuation levels eased east of Salmon La Sac Road as fire moderates

The Three Queens Fire is burning in steep, rocky timber within the Cle Elum Ranger District near Snoqualmie Pass. Over the last 72 hours, fire behavior has moderated to isolated creeping, duff smoldering, and occasional interior torching. Evacuation orders remain in place west of Salmon La Sac Road as crews carry out road rehabilitation and patrol.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders remain in effect for areas west of Salmon La Sac Road north of French Cabin Creek Road (as of September 22).
• Level 2 (Get Ready) evacuation warnings are in place for areas east of Salmon La Sac Road north of French Cabin Creek Road, lowered from Level 3 on September 22.
• French Cabin Creek Road and Cooper Lake Road networks remain closed to public access for ongoing fireline and road rehabilitation (as of September 22).
• Recreation areas along the south end of Lake Cle Elum and sections of Lake Kachess reopened on September 22.

Impact

Smoke remains light across upper Kittitas County, though fire-weakened hazard trees and heavy equipment traffic continue to affect travel along mountain road corridors.

Conditions and Outlook

Cool conditions with westerly breezes will give way to widespread rain showers later in the week. The incoming moisture is expected to further suppress fire behavior, keeping activity limited to isolated smoldering in heavy duff. Local Forest Service crews plan to continue erosion control, culvert clearing, and road repair.

Cause and Context

Lightning sparked the fire on July 15, 2026, in steep timber. Command of the incident transitioned back to the local Forest Service unit on September 21, 2026.

Official updates current through September 23, 2026.