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For millennia, wildland fire has played an important role in shaping the landscape around Mount Rainier. Fires have benefited the ecosystem by removing dead wood accumulation, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through to the floor of dense forests. Fire has also allowed for the recycling of nutrients to the soil, which encourages the germination and regrowth of plants, shrubs, and trees. But while natural fire processes are important, they also impact air quality, cause health issues, and poor visibility.
The park's primary goal is to suppress fires (actively putting out any fire that starts). The current fire management program is designed to protect natural and cultural resources but life and property are always the highest priorities during any firefighting activity. In-depth information on fire management in the park is available in the Mount Rainier National Park Fire Management Plan.
Heavy smoke from the Wildcat Fire outside of the park is seen causing hazardous air quality and producing a yellow haze, deeply impairing the visibility of Mount Rainier from Longmire. Taken on September 4, 2025.
NPS Photo
What You Need to Know Now
Active Wildland Fires as of September 9, 2025
September 8, 2025: Recent thunderstorms produced more than 700 lightning strikes, resulting in several new fire starts within the park. Fire management staff are actively working to assess and respond to these incidents. Visitors who observe smoke or possible new fire activity are asked to report it directly to a park ranger.
September 4, 2025: Wildcat Fire has been active outside of the park in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Due to its vicinity to the eastern boundary of the park, Naches Peak Trail and Shriner Peak Trail have been closed to protect public health and safety.
For a broad view of official wildland fire incidents happening in or around the park, visit the intragency information map: InciWeb on Wildfire.gov.
For road, area, or trail closures related to wildland fires happening in or around the park, visit: Alerts and Conditions.
Active Air Quality as of September 9, 2025: Good ●
September 8, 2025: Recent showers helped improve air quality in most areas within the park. While skies are clearer in many areas, wind over the week can potentially bring additional smoke into the park while the Wildcat Fire continues to burn nearby outside of the park. Visitors are encouraged to continue reviewing air quality. For more information, visit: fire.airnow.gov.
September 4, 2025: Due to the vicinity of the Wildcat Fire burning outside of the park to the east in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, all areas of the park continue to experience heavy smoke and hazardous air quality, especially overnight, with ash reported settling across the landscape. Heavy smoke levels will persist until forecasted precipitation occurs over the region in the next few days offering potential relief. Visitors are encouraged to review smoke forecasts, consider personal sensitivity to poor air quality, and adjust outdoor activities as needed.
Mount Rainier National Park has implemented a parkwide fire ban that began Tuesday, June 10, 2025 until further notice.
All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills will be prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
Fire ban includes all developed campgrounds, including White River and Cougar Rock. Ohanapecosh is closed for construction.
There is a significant fire potential outlook for Summer 2025.
Since March 2025, a moderate drought as been affecting the Pacific Northwest region, including areas within and around Mount Rainier National Park with hot, dry, above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. Source: Drought.gov.
Within Mount Rainier, an acceleration in tree mortality has been identified due to drought and disease with a heavy amount of down woody material offering higher amounts of fuel.
