A fast-moving wildfire near Cle Elum, Washington, has spread across both sides of Interstate 90(I-90), prompting a full closure of the highway around 4 p.m. on Monday, reports KIMA Action News.
The blaze, which is consuming trees and vegetation, has jumped I-90, impacting areas on both the north and south sides of the roadway.
Residents in the area, including nearby Roslyn, report visible smoke but no evacuation orders have been issued so far.
Along i90 around milepost 77. Wildfire near Cle Elum. #CleElum #Fire #Wildfire #ForestFire #Easton pic.twitter.com/rQsA0ptuoX
— StevieMO! (@StevieMosh81) August 18, 2025
Authorities Provide Updates on Fire Situation
Multiple fires are burning along I-90 between mileposts 72 and 84, and fire crews from various departments are working to contain the flames with bulldozers and aerial support.
The Cle Elum Volunteer Fire Department stated: “Due to multiple fires along the roadway, I-90 is closed EB at MP 70 near Easton and WB at MP 106 near Ellensburg. Multiple brush fires are currently burning along I-90 between mileposts 84 and 72. Fire crews from all area departments are actively working to contain the fires.”
Kittitas County Fire District 7 added on Facebook: “At this time multiple fires along EB I-90 MP 77 to MP 84. Multiple agencies along I-90 fighting fires along with dozer and air support. Fire is contained from 74 to 78 between freeway and railroad tracks. No evacuation at this time.”
Jeff Myers, Fire Commissioner for Cle Elum, confirmed the transportation impact: “We understand the highway through Cle Elum from Ellensburg is now closed. This closure of Interstate 90 will cause significant traffic impact.”
He also noted: “There are multiple fires along the freeway and heavy smoke in the air in Upper County. Initial information indicates a cargo trailer was being pulled on a disintegrated tire and rim, and likely was the source of the multiple fires at multiple locations along the highway, although this has not been verified or confirmed at this point. Although this fire is in Upper County, residents across the entire area should prepare for associated impacts from the interstate closure.”
Traffic and Witness Reports
Drivers reported significant delays due to the closure, sharing frustrated experiences on social media as they navigated backups along the impacted stretch of I-90.
Wild fires near Cle Elum causing traffic back up pretty bad pic.twitter.com/W33f15J0pI
— Scott holland (@Spindoodle369) August 18, 2025
Authorities continue to monitor the fires and urge travelers to avoid the area until conditions improve.
