Wildfire smoke led to trail closures and warnings of poor air quality over the weekend at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington.
The Wildcat Fire has burned at least 7,566 acres, or about 12 square miles, east of the park in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The blaze was sparked by lightning on Aug. 25.
Access to Naches Peak along Pacific Crest Trail as well as trailheads on State Road 123 were closed due to smoke.
Air quality in the Mount Rainier area Sunday morning was moderate and people with heart or lung disease, as well as children and older adults, were advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Smoke and limited visibility were expected to continue throughout the day, according to AirNow.gov., and much of Washington State was under an air quality alert issued by the National Weather Service.
Some visitors in areas around the park also reported ash on their vehicles.
The nearly 500 firefighting personnel assigned to the blaze faced numerous challenges.
"With emerging and ongoing incidents competing for the same firefighting resources in the region, resources are stretched thin, and not all orders for firefighting personnel and equipment can be immediately filled, which is a challenge across the West," according to a Saturday update on the fire.
"Firefighters also continue to face access and suppression challenges, including drought-affected dense fuel accumulations and rugged/roadless terrain. Fire managers are focusing efforts with the available resources where there is a high probability of success while maintaining low risk to firefighters."
Rain and a chance of thunderstorms were forecast in the Mount Rainier area through at least Tuesday.
Park visitors should check the following sources for the latest updates:
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