Three Queens, King, and Goat Fire Complex Burns in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness

The Three Queens, King, and Goat Fire complex continues to burn in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, six miles east of Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas County. As of Saturday, September 12, 2026, the complex has 482 total personnel assigned across all three fires.

Fire Status by Unit

Goat Fire: 816 acres | 22% contained | Started August 22, 2026 | Caused by lightning
Three Queens Fire: Burning in high-elevation subalpine fir stringers above Lake Kachess | Wind-driven fire behavior with extreme slopes and unstable terrain
King Fire: Part of the complex; crews monitoring alongside Three Queens and Goat fires

Fire Behavior

The fires are burning primarily in high-elevation subalpine fir stringers in rugged, mountainous terrain. Wind-driven fire behavior has persisted as strong winds push flames across available fuels. The steep terrain, unstable slopes, and rolling material present ongoing safety challenges for suppression crews. Incident commanders have been adjusting tactics to maintain safe and effective operations throughout the duration of the complex.

Evacuation Level Reductions

The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, acting on recommendations from the Incident Management Team and current fire and weather conditions, has reduced evacuation warning levels in several areas:

Cabins along Baker Lane, just south of Kachess Campground: reduced from Level 2 to Level 1 – Get Ready
Northern portion of Forest Service Road 4818 along the east shore of Lake Kachess, and the FS Road 4824 system: reduced from Level 3 to Level 2 – Get Set
The area between Lake Kachess and Lake Cle Elum (south of French Cabin Creek, west of Salmon La Sac Road, north of FS Road 4818-111 spur): reduced from Level 2 to Level 1 – Get Ready

All other evacuation warnings remain at their current levels. The Kittitas County Live Evacuation Map at arcgis.com/experience/kittitas-evacuation shows current levels and boundaries.

Recreational Closures

Large portions of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Cle Elum Ranger District remain closed to public recreation. These closures affect campgrounds, trails, and roads around Lake Kachess and Lake Cle Elum. Of particular note, a 13.5-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail between Snoqualmie Pass and Deception Pass remains closed, cutting off access to popular backcountry destinations including Spectacle Lake.

The evacuation level reductions do not reopen affected areas for recreational use. Forest Service closures remain in place for public safety.

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