Swauk Creek Fire reaches 81% containment

Crews continue mopping up hot spots as Highway 97 remains open with delays through the fire area.

Containment has progressed on the Swauk Creek Fire, which was started by a vehicle accident on US-97 over the weekend.

USDA FOREST SERVICE

Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 2:58 pm

By TAYLOR CALDWELL
Ward Media Staff Reporter

BLEWETT PASS — Firefighters are making significant progress on containing the Swauk Creek Fire, which has remained around 29 acres since its ignition over the weekend.

The fire, located about 12 miles east of Cle Elum, is at 81 percent containment. 57 Cause: Vehicle accident on 8/1

It currently has one water tender, two engines, two hand crews and a Rapid Emergency Medical Support (REMS) unit for a total of 57 personnel.

Fire officials said crews spent Tuesday continuing to mop up hot spots in the fire perimeter and improve the fireline.

US-97 over Blewett Pass is open to traffic, but motorists should anticipate delays in the vicinity of the fire. Up to date travel information can be found on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s real time travel map.

Evacuation levels have been updated. The town of Liberty is at a Level 1 advisory (Get Ready). A Level 2 advisory (Get Set) is in place for Lauderdale Lane, Liberty Cafe, Forbes Lane, Shamrock Lane, China Camp Road, and Bittersweet Drive.

Evacuation advisories have been removed from Burke Road, Ranch Road, Micheletto Road and Swauk Creek Lane.

For the most up to date evacuation orders, visit the Kittitas County Sheriff's Facebook.

The fire was caused by a vehicle accident that occurred near milepost 151 on US-97, shortly after midnight Sunday morning. Washington State Patrol (WSP) said a vehicle traveling northbound had left the roadway, striking a tree on the east side of the roadway. The driver, an 18-year-old from East Wenatchee, was transported to Confluence Health for injuries and charged with negligent driving in the second degree, according to WSP.

More fire information can be found by emailing 2026.swaukcreek@firenet.gov or calling the information line between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.: 509-776-6954. The Cle Elum Ranger District can be reached at 509-852-1100. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is also sharing Facebook updates on local fires and related closures.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media