UPDATE: September 16 at 3:00 p.m.
The Wildcat Fire has expanded to 8,593 acres since it ignited on August 25, 2025, due to lightning.
As of now, containment is at 8%, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said in a release.
The Southeast Washington Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the firefighting efforts at 6:00 a.m. today. The team acknowledged the work done by NW Team 10 over the past 14 days.
Yesterday, despite windy conditions, the fire showed minimal growth.
Firefighters focused on controlling hot spots and protecting areas around Bumping Lake. However, a drone incursion caused a halt in air operations, which posed risks to firefighter safety and delayed suppression efforts, DNR said.
Firefighters are now monitoring fire behavior along the ridgeline above Bumping Lake. Crews are mopping up along the fire’s edge on the northwest side of Bumping Lake and using heavy equipment to clear roadside debris.
A Level 2 – Get Set evacuation alert remains in place for Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road.
State Route 410 remains open, but closures are in place in both the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park, affecting sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.
UPDATE: September 10 at 4:20 p.m.
The fire has burned 7,893 acres and is currently 8% contained, said the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Yesterday, little fire growth was observed. Today, crews will assess cabins in the Timber Creek area along SR 410 and remove vegetation.
Firefighters also plan to improve a control line and thin lower vegetation while preserving mature trees.
Weather conditions are expected to change, with cloud cover and chances of showers and thunderstorms.
Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and recent precipitation are moderating fire behavior.
UPDATE: September 7 at 11:35 a.m.
The lightning-caused Wildcat Fire is burning over 7,566 acres northwest of Naches in Yakima County.
According to the latest update from the U.S. Forest Service, rugged and roadless terrain is making fire access difficult and could jeopardize firefighter safety.
Cloud coverage overnight made infrared mapping difficult, so authorities said the fire acreage has not been accurately updated to reflect the situation. 7,566 acres was the last reported size from the U.S. Forest Service.
Crews will continue working to secure structures near the area. Updated information on road closures can be found at this website.
UPDATE: September 4 at 12:35 p.m.
The lightning-caused Wildcat Fire burning northwest of Naches nearly doubled in size yesterday and is now burning over 5,500 acres, authorities shared in a recent social media update.
There is a red flag warning in place through the fire area until 9:00 p.m. tonight due to hot and dry conditions.
“Firefighters are also facing dense fuel accumulation and rugged/roadless terrain, resulting in significant access and suppression challenges,” the U.S. Forest Service said.
Level 2 (Get set!) evacuations remain in place for Goose Prairie and Bumper River Road. Authorities warned residents in those areas to either leave voluntarily as soon as possible or be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
UPDATE: September 3 at 6:50 p.m.
Yakima Valley Emergency Management announced residents in Goose Prairie and along Bumping River Road have been advised to prepare for potential evacuation due to significant danger in the area.
The alert, classified as LEVEL 2 BE READY, urges residents to either leave voluntarily or be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
For more information and to check if your address is within the evacuation area, visit the Yakima County Emergency Management’s website.
UPDATE: September 3 at 12:29 p.m.
The Wildcat Fire is now a reported 2,752 acres large Wednesday, after joining with the nearby Fish Fire.
According to an update on the fire from the Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10, the Fish Fire joined the Wildcat Fire in the Bumping River drainage.
The Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10 took command of the Wildcat and Fish Fires early Wednesday morning.
Crews on scene are fighting the fire with high temperatures, dry fuel conditions and rugged terrain, making suppression a challenge.
Structure protection equipment is being put up, and fuels are being reduced around Bumping Lake Marina and campgrounds, as well as around structures in the Goose Prairie community and long Bumping Lake Road.
Air resources will be used in the area as needed and as conditions allow.
At this time, closures have been expanded to prohibit the use of the Pacific Crest Trail from White Pass to Chinook Pass to protect hikers.
As of this update, the Goose Prairie community is in a Level 1 “Ready” evacuation status.
UPDATE: September 2 at 1:34 p.m.
Level 1 Evacuations are still in place at Goose Prairie due to the Wildcat Fire in the William O. Douglas Wilderness.
Yakima Emergency Management said that there will be heavy emergency vehicle traffic on Highway 410.
The fire is now 1,273 acres.
UPDATE: September 1 at 4:10 p.m.
The Wildcat Fire, started by lightning on August 25, 2025, has expanded to 1,170 acres in the William O. Douglas Wilderness.
Complex Incident Management NW Team 10 is set to take command mid-week, replacing the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Type 3 Team, to bring additional resources to the scene.
Firefighters are working to keep the fire contained south of Highway 410, west of Goose Prairie, north of FS road 1800, and east of FS road 1808. Efforts include protecting structures around Bumping Lake and removing fuels along FS Road 394.
UPDATE: September 1, 2025 at 1:03 p.m.
Goose Prairie is now under a level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notice due to the ongoing Wildcat Fire in Yakima County.
Bumping River Road is closed, open to local traffic only.
NACHES, Wash. – The Wildcat Fire, sparked by lightning, has grown to 1,000 acres northwest of Naches in Yakima County.
According to the U.S Forest Service, fire activity increased on Saturday.
Aerial resources, including two helicopters and four scooper airtanker aircraft, have been actively dropping water from Bumping Lake on the flames.
A closure order initially set on August 28 is being updated to include Bumping Lake and is expected to expand further. Several roads and trails, including Road 1800 and the American Ridge Trail, are closed as well.
A Heli-base is being established on Highway 410 to support firefighting operations.
The public is reminded that lakes and rivers may be used by firefighting aircraft. Recreationists are urged to yield to emergency aircraft and stay near the shore when aircraft approach.
Drone activity is prohibited in the fire area.
Meantime, the nearby Swamp Lake Fire has been contained at 1 ½ acres, while the Panther Fire on the Naches Ranger District is at 2 ⅓ acres with edges secured.
Firefighters are mopping up and addressing snags.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE: August 31 at 4:40 p.m.
