Smelling Smoke? Newcastle Brush Fire Could Burn For Days

NEWCASTLE, WA — A brush fire burning on an isolated hillside in Newcastle has proven too tricky for fire crews to safely reach. Bellevue Fire says flames are burning in the May Creek ravine, near the 12200 block of Southeast 95th Way. The fire started Sunday night, but steep terrain and debris concerns have prevented crews from getting up close to the flames. Both the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Ecology have recommended against firefighters accessing the area.

Bellevue Fire said no homes are in the area and the fire is not spreading, but crews will keep tabs on the area for any changes. The flames could take as long as 10 days to go out and smoke may linger in nearby areas in the week ahead. Fire crews pointed to possible rain in the forecast in hopes that it may speed up the process.

As a result of the fire, the May Creek Trail is closed to the public until further notice. Investigators have not determined how it started and an acreage total is not yet available. Updates will be posted on the City of Newcastle website.