I-90 back open both ways after large fires closed highway near Cle Elum
Aug 18, 2025, 3:53 PM | Updated: 5:33 pm
Smoke from large fires has caused closures on I-90. (Photo courtesy of WSP)
(Photo courtesy of WSP)
I-90 has reopened both ways after large fires completely shut down the highway Monday afternoon, KIRO Newsradio confirmed.
“Fire crews got a handle on the two fires right away,” the Washington State Patrol (WSP) stated around 5 p.m.
I-90 will be reopening soon. Fire crews got a handle on the two fires right away. I will post when I-90 is fully opened. @SnoqualmiePass pic.twitter.com/WO8Hbyg4s4
— District 6 PIO (@wspd6pio) August 19, 2025
There were two closures on I-90 due to the fires, WSP reported around 3:30 p.m.
I-90 west was closed near Ellensburg at milepost 93. I-90 east was closed at Lake Easton, milepost 70, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
UPDATE: Due to fire activity and poor visibility I-90 is closed EB at MP 70 near Easton and WB at MP 106 near Ellensburg. https://t.co/8E2lV7e27b pic.twitter.com/bih95v9QYU
— Snoqualmie Pass (@SnoqualmiePass) August 18, 2025
“We had to close I-90 due to the amount of smoke that was crossing over,” WSP Trooper Jeremy Weber told KIRO Newsradio. “It was just a little bit too dangerous for traffic at this point.”
Weber said one fire was between mileposts 81 and 84, then there were two separate fires at milepost 76 and milepost 78.
“We just made the decision to close [I-90] down, which is something we don’t like to do, and that’s the last thing we want to do, is shut down I-90,” he said. “Safety is paramount.”
Cause of the fires along I-90 under investigation
As for what sparked the fires, Weber said he’s heard different scenarios.
“I heard one time that there might be a trailer that lost a wheel and was dragging an axle that might have caused a spark. We don’t know until we can actually get in there and do some investigation,” he shared.
WSP also doesn’t know if the fires are connected.
Drivers advised to use alternate routes
Those traveling on I-90 were advised to plan ahead and seek alternate routes.
“If you are traveling, make sure you check the roadway. Check WSDOT. You can get on there and check to see any closures,” Weber said.
WSDOT previously reported there were delays on I-90 west due to several fires along the road.
Due to several fires along the roadway, we are seeing delays on WB I-90 between Easton MP 75 and Cle Elum MP 85. pic.twitter.com/DqST9m2jVN
— Snoqualmie Pass (@SnoqualmiePass) August 18, 2025
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