New wildfire scorches more than 300 acres near Mount Rainier, 0% containment

A new fire burning near Mount Rainier has already torched more than 300 acres and is 0% contained, as of this reporting.

The wildfire, dubbed the Grand Park 2 Fire, was reported on Friday at approximately 12:30 p.m., drawing a response from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service, Mount Rainier National Park announced.

Roads, trails near Mount Rainier fire have been shut down as crews respond

The Grand Park 2 Fire is located three miles north of Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park. As of Saturday, the Sunrise area and White River Campground were closed off for all public access. Any visitors in the affected areas were escorted from the area.

The White River Road from SR 410 to the White River Campground and the Sunrise Road from the White River Campground to Sunrise are closed until further notice. Additionally, all trails originating from these park roads and all trails in the Grand Park area have been closed until further notice.

Mount Rainier National Park officials noted that wildland firefighters are actively working to suppress the fire and protect life, property, and natural and cultural resources.

Firefighters are using various strategies to contain the fire, including a direct suppression strategy to help with confinement.

Engines, crews, and aircraft have responded to the wildfire. Other wildland fighting resources have been ordered to support the suppression efforts.

The park noted that the fire behavior is currently moderate with tree torching, spotting, and creeping. Weather conditions throughout the area include warm temperatures, low relative humidity, and wind, but the conditions could change at any time.

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