The Norse Peak Fire has been burning since August 11th and spot fires spawned from the Norse Peak Fire have been burning within the boundaries of Crystal Mountain ski resort, WA the past few days.

So far, there has been no structures nor lifts damaged by the fire at Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain, much of Mt. Rainier National Park, and more areas have been evacuated and closed.

“The fire continues to burn in Bullion Basin but is stable at this time. Structural defenses are in place. Volunteers from the local fire departments were joined by the Red Team yesterday and additional personnel and resources are being sent our way. Crews are also monitoring the fire above the Silver Springs and Dalles areas and the Sawmill Creek fire north of Greenwater. Please stay out of the area so teams can focus their efforts on fighting the fires. ” – Crystal Mountain, today

Norse Peak Fire Update: September 7, 2017

• Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017
• Cause: Lightning
• Total acres: 46,882
• Containment: 8%
• Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0
• Injuries to date: 0
• Total Personnel: 430
• Fire Resources: 7 crews, 28 engines, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, 9 water tenders

FIRE SUMMARY

As additional resources begin to trickle in to help established personnel battle the Norse Peak and American fires, a change in the weather also could aid in the fire fight. Two hand crews from the Washington National Guard are expected to hit the fire lines today which will help strengthen firefighter numbers and allow a shift of resources to more pressing parts of the fire.

Cooler, moist air is forecast to push in off the Pacific Ocean slowly today. This incoming marine layer is expected to drop temperatures, raise humidity levels, and bring winds out of the west and northwest – all of which could prove beneficial to slowing the fire’s western spread.

Yesterday, a team of engines and one hand crew assigned to the Norse Peak Fire double checked and ran the sprinkler systems at Gold Hill as well as laid the ground work for similar setups throughout the Pierce County side of the fire. Work was completed on hose lays and sprinkler system in several areas around Bumping Lake including the historic cabin and Boy Scout camp at Goose Prairie. Work will continue there today as well.

NORSE PEAK FIRE (45,433 acres): The southern edge of the fire continues to push along State Route 410 as crews use strategic firing techniques – as conditions allow – to ensure a slow, low-intensity fire progression downhill toward the road.

While the fire continues to move toward 410, firefighters are scouring the south side of the road and found multiple spot fires – the largest one-quarter of an acre in size. The spots were picked up, lined and mopped up immediately.

Structure protection work continues on the Pierce County side as well preparation along 410 and the 1900 Road.

AMERICAN FIRE (1,449 acres): With ongoing work to plumb and prep structures along Bumping River Road, the fire crept up the American Ridge and has started to slowly make its way down the east side in places. Structure work is expected to be completed today.

CLOSURES: State Route 410 will remain closed from State Route 123 to mile post 89 at Bumping River Road through Saturday. There are no closures along 123. Bumping River Road is closed.
The 1900 Road is closed as are Little Naches and Kaner Flat campgrounds and the Little Naches cabins. Crystal Mountain Boulevard is closed.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Chinook Pass to Snoqualmie Pass.

The latest Forest Closure Order for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Fire is in place for the fire area and complete details can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices.

The latest Forest Closure Order for Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is in place and can be found athttps://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mbs/alerts-notices.
The White River entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is closed. Updates for the park can be found at https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm.

EVACUATIONS: In Yakima County, there is a Level 3 Evacuation Order for Goose Prairie along Bumping River Road.
In Pierce County, a Level 3 evacuation has been ordered for the Silver Springs Campground, Silver Creek, Deep Creek, Goat Creek, Alta Community, Pick Handle Basin, Goat Creek, Gold Hill Community and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort area.