The Blue Lake Fire is burning several miles southwest of Washington Pass on the Methow Valley Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

It is now estimated to be around 215 acres. The fire is burning just south of State Route 20 and near popular hiking and climbing trails, such as Blue Lake, Heather Maple Pass, and the Pacific Crest Trail near Bridge Creek.

There are many firefighting resources assigned, including an Interagency Hotshot crew, four engines, and multiple aircraft. More resources are expected to be arriving over the next couple of days. Firefighters are scouting natural features like avalanche chutes that could act as a control features.

Forest Service personnel are notifying visitors in the fire area and advising them to leave the area for their safety. A closure order is in place for portions of the Pacific Crest Trail within North Cascades National Park and also in process for the National Forest System lands near the fire area.

Timber and brush

Fire behavior is active with uphill runs, spotting, and backing activity.

12 hours: Evening showers and thunderstorms with northwest winds. Moderate to good RH recovery is expected. Possible torching or spotting with the forecasted winds which may be mitigated by the rain showers.