Rapidly Growing Norse Peak Fire Over 44,000 Acres

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, WA - The Norse Peak fire has swiftly expanded, growing from 17,418 acres on Sept. 3 to 44,799 acres Sept. 6, according to the National Wildlife Coordinating Group. The fire has closed part of SR 410 and is threatening several Pierce County towns. Mount Rainier National Park is also partly closed.

A Level 3 evacuation was ordered for the Silver Springs Campground, Silver Creek, Deep Creek, Joke Creek, Alta Community, Pick Handle Basin, Goat Creek, Gold Hill Community and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort area.

The NWCG said residents should continue monitoring social media and local news regarding the fire's progress. They should also be ready to evacuate immediately if necessary.

The nearby Jolly Mountain fire is also uncontained and growing. The two fires have caused a severe drop in air quality while ash has fallen throughout the Puget Sound region.

Image via Norse Peak Fire Information