Little Naches Area Closing

There are always anxious hunters this time of year, but this year the anxiety is over losing most of the season to smoke and fire.

Highway 410 is CLOSED.

Firefighters used strategic firing along the Highway 410 corridor to remove the fuels between the road and the fire, which prompted the closure of Highway 410 last night for the safety of the public and the firefighters working along the road, according to fire managers.

As the Norse Peak Fire continues to grow to the north and east into the Crow Creek drainage, fire managers are determining containment lines. For the protection of the public they have closed Forest Road 1900 (aka: “Road 19” and “Little Naches”).

Crow Creek Campground remains closed. The area to the south and west of Road 19 also remains closed.

The Little Naches Cabin Tract, as well as Kaner Flat and Little Naches campgrounds remain open, but are under a Level 1 evacuation notice. This area is under a Level 1 evacuation notice, which means “BE READY” for a potential evacuation. Be aware of the danger that exists in the area; monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. Those that are in a campground and are unable to connect to the Internet or media outlets should look at the bulletin boards for information about the wildfire. If conditions warrant an evacuation, campers will be notified. There is no dispersed camping allowed in the area.

Managers say the continued hot, dry conditions, significant fire spread potential, and lack of safe extraction routes for forest visitors is prompting the proposed closure.

Forest Service leaders and incident personnel will work to re-open this popular hunting and recreation area as soon as it is safe to do so.

Considering the off-road crowd that LOVES this area, this is going to be sad news for Labor Day weekend.

Several popular recreation spots had already been closed such as Crow Creek Campground.

Law enforcement will be enforcing closures, so keep an eye out for postings and follow the instructions.

Due to last night’s fire behavior, the highway will not be open until fire managers and Washington Department of Transportation officials continue to evaluate Highway 410 safety. Firefighters will continue to work along the west side of the highway during this time.