Military jet crash sparks wildfire in Yakima County, pilot safe

YAKIMA COUNTY — A military aircraft crashed into a mountain near Rimrock Lake on Saturday afternoon, triggering a wildfire, home evacuations, and a multi-agency emergency response, authorities said.

The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office began receiving multiple calls around 12:15 p.m. reporting the crash on the south side of the lake. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before impact, according to officials. A mountain pass deputy located the pilot, who sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The impact sparked a forest fire in the rugged terrain, prompting a swift response from local, state, and federal crews. Helicopters and a U.S. Forest Service engine actively dropped water and suppressed flames through the afternoon.

As a precaution, law enforcement agencies closed the 1200 Road system and evacuated campers from the south side of Rimrock Lake. Officials have urged the public to avoid the area for the foreseeable future.

Firefighters with the Naches Fire Department successfully established structure protection around nearby Bear Creek cabins before clearing the main scene. A water tender will remain on-site overnight to support ongoing mop-up operations.

The military has been notified of the incident and is deploying personnel and resources to lead the crash investigation and recovery efforts. No civilian injuries or structural damage have been reported.

Photo courtesy Naches Fire Department

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Elkhorn Media Group