Travelers planning to spend Labor Day weekend at popular outdoor destinations in Kittitas County will need to revise their plans. Three active wildfires have forced officials to close Lake Kachess, Lake Cle Elum and parts of the Cle Elum Valley, eliminating access to picnic areas, hiking spots and other recreational attractions in the upper region of the county.

The Three Queens Fire, the Goat Fire and the King Fire have collectively burned 12,000 acres across the region. The closures are designed to provide firefighting personnel and equipment safe passage along roads and through areas as crews work to contain the blazes.

Kittitas County Sheriff Whitsett said fire crews are taking advantage of current weather conditions to prepare for the next phase of the firefighting effort. “The firefighters are using this time when the conditions aren’t quite as bad, they use this time to prep for what’s coming next to be ready for the next hot spell, the next windy day when things could go bad again,” Whitsett said.

The fires have been burning for several weeks, and full containment is not expected until after Labor Day. Several communities in the area have experienced Level 3 evacuation orders, the most severe evacuation status, requiring residents to leave immediately. Sheriff Whitsett acknowledged the impact on the community and urged visitors to return once conditions improve.

Apple Valley News Now

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