Firefighters in Skagit County are battling the Prairie Mountain Fire, which has burned nearly 200 acres since sparking Friday morning.
The Department of Natural Resources is managing the blaze northeast of Darrington, which currently has zero containment.
The fire ignited shortly after 7:30 a.m. Friday along the Suiattle River.
Ground crews are navigating rough terrain to establish a perimeter while temperatures remain high and humidity remains low.
Jason McMillen, a fire manager for the Department of Natural Resources, described the operation as challenging due to environmental factors.
“This is a really tough fire,” McMillen said. “Our crews are working in hot, dry conditions trying to get the fire secure.”
Air crews have been making continuous drops of water and retardant on Prairie Mountain. Ground crews are working in rough terrain while helicopters and tankers make precision drops to support their efforts.
Weather patterns, specifically steady winds from the west, are a primary concern for fire managers.
McMillen noted that these winds are pushing the flames, which could lead to more concerning fire behavior. “We have pretty steady winds out of the west pushing the fire — that could cause more concerning fire behavior,” McMillen said.
While officials stated that no homes are currently threatened, some residents living near the mountain are taking precautions.
Kurt Turner, who lives near Prairie Mountain, said he has prepared his belongings for a quick departure after seeing the impact of fires in Spokane.
“Maybe have two days if it comes over the hill… my trailer’s loaded… you never know after seeing Spokane,” Turner said.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. No reports have been released regarding the origin of the blaze.