The Norse Peak Fire has now burned more than 17,000 acres and has forced the closure of a big chunk of Labor Day Weekend's favorite spots for locals.

According the U.S. Forest Service, the Norse Peak Fire has burned a total of 17,418 acres and is only 8 percent contained.

Fire managers announced as of Sunday that a total of 331 personnel have responded to the fire with six crews, 28 engines, two helicopters, two bulldozers, and seven water tenders.

With Gov. Inslee's State Of Emergency declaration, that number will increase.

Fire managers reported that so far this weekend that dense smoke has hung over much of the Nile Valley area. This was actually good news for firefighters as inversion conditions persisted and trapped smoke from the Norse Peak and American fires lower to the ground. While bad for air quality, visibility and outdoor activities, this weather effect was helpful in moderating fire behavior by blocking warming sunlight and keeping fire growth to a minimum, fire managers said.

Another bit of news for folks with skin in the game up there, a public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday (Sept. 5) from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the Nile Valley Community Church, 60 Bedrock Lane in Naches. Fire officials and local coordinators will provide an overview of fire activity and field questions from the public.



The 1900 or Little Naches Road is closed at the intersection of 1900 and 1902. Kaner Flat and Little Naches campgrounds and the Little Naches Summer Home tract remain open.

Bumping River Road is open to the lake but the trails north of the road are closed to access. Facilities and amenities along the road to the lake such as Goose Prairie, the Bumping Lake Marina, Chinook Outfitters, etc. remain open.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Chinook Pass to Government Meadow.

The latest Forest Closure Order is in place for the fire area and complete details can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. All facilities along Bumping River Road and the 1900 Road up to Kaner Flat Campground are under a Level 1 Evacuation Notice. This means residents are warned there is a potential threat to the area and they should make plans for possible evacuations. People under Level 1 notifications should monitor incident social media and local media outlets for more information.

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