Date: August 25, 2017
Contact: Katy Hooper
Sedro Woolley, WA – A small fire is active along the Thunder Creek Trail approximately 10 miles from Colonial Creek Campground near Junction Camp in North Cascades National Park. The Thunder Junction Fire was detected Thursday evening and grew to about 2.5 acres as of Friday afternoon.
Three firefighters assigned to the fire will work to secure the perimeter and mop up the smoldering area. The crew will use helicopter support to bring in water pumps and hoses. Additional firefighters have been requested.
The fire is in a remote area of the Stephen Mather Wilderness with steep terrain and a heavy, low-moisture fuel load as the result of an abnormally dry, hot summer.
Park officials have closed portions of the Thunder Creek and Fisher Creek trails due to the fire’s proximity. The Thunder Creek Trail is closed from the Ross Lake National Recreation Area boundary, near McAllister Camp, south to Skagit Queen Camp. The Fisher Creek Trail is closed from Cosho Camp west to the junction with the Thunder Creek Trail. Tricouni, Junction hiker and stock, Skagit Queen, and Cosho camps are also closed. The trail from Thunder Creek over Fourth of July Pass into Panther Creek remains open.
Fire plays a natural role in the wilderness ecosystem; however, because this fire is suspected to be human-caused rather than natural, the decision was made to actively suppress the fire.
If you see smoke or flames dial 911 or report to a park visitor or information center. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for trail information at, 360-854-7245.
