THREE QUEENS

Rain dampens fire activity as crews strengthen lines near Cooper Lake

The Three Queens Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain east of Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County, pushing north toward Cooper Lake and west toward the Rachel Lake Trail. Wetting precipitation has moderated fire behavior to creeping, flanking, and isolated torching in heavy timber. Structure protection measures remain active for cabins, campgrounds, and infrastructure along the State Route 903 and Forest Service Road corridors.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 3 — Go Now evacuation orders remain in effect for designated recreation areas and communities near the fire perimeter (as of August 31).
• Level 2 — Get Ready and Level 1 — Be Ready evacuation notices remain active for surrounding areas in Kittitas County (as of August 31).
• Lake Kachess, Lake Cle Elum, and portions of the Upper Cle Elum Valley are closed to public access and recreation (as of September 1).
• Area closures and firefighting operations affect Forest Service Roads 4308, 4330, 4600, and 4616, as well as the Rachel Lake Trail (as of September 1).

Impact

Smoke settling into mountain valleys has prompted an Air Quality Alert across Kittitas County, producing unhealthy air quality around Cle Elum. No structural losses or injuries have been reported, though sprinkler systems and defensible fuel breaks have been deployed to safeguard campgrounds and private cabins.

Conditions and Outlook

Widespread rain and mountain snow showers are forecast to taper to light drizzle and overcast skies over the coming days, accompanied by light southwest winds shifting northerly and easing. The damp conditions and elevated humidity will keep fire spread subdued. Firefighters plan to utilize this weather window to clear roadside fuels along Forest Service roads, strengthen containment lines, and maintain structure defense systems before warmer, drier weather returns.

Cause and Context

The fire was ignited by a lightning strike on July 15, 2026, in steep wilderness terrain east of Snoqualmie Pass. Fire suppression operations are directed by Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 2 in coordination with local agencies.

Resources

• Three Queens Fire InciWeb
• Washington Smoke Blog

Official updates current through September 2, 2026.