These temporary limitations are necessary to protect public and firefighter safety. Fire crews and operators are conducting high‑volume chipping, brushing, and log removal along narrow corridors. Restricting access during this surge in operations allows crews to work more safely and efficiently, helping shorten the overall duration of closure impacts on the community.

“Limiting access right now is essential for the safety of both the public and our firefighters,” said Agency Administrator Joshua Voorhis. “Heavy equipment activity has increased significantly, and these temporary restrictions help crews complete priority work quickly so we can reopen areas as soon as it’s safe.”

Incident managers will reassess conditions mid‑week (September 16–17) to determine when new waiver requests may safely resume.

The FS-7700-0040- Application for Permit for use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order form can be found online here: https://shorturl.at/p43KJ

For questions about the access waiver permit process, please contact the Cle Elum Ranger District office weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 509-852-1100.

A Forest Service Security Officer staffs a road closure point on the Cle Elum Ranger District to inform the public about the fire area closures and access restrictions for  the Three Queens Fire, September 2026. Photo credit: USDA Forest Service.

Three Queens Fire Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/alerts/three-queens-fire-closure-cle-elum-ranger-district

For questions about the Three Queens, King or Goat Fires, call the Fire Information Officers:  509-213-5294 between 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; or email 2026.threequeens@firenet.gov