444 Fire update: Garden Loop Trail closed indefinitely, fire now fully contained, being patrolled

The main Mount Si and Little Si trails reopened Aug. 1 after being closed due to the “444 Fire,” first reported Friday, July 26. The state Department of Natural Resources, which directed fire-fighting efforts, reports that the fire was fully contained and controlled July 31. Hikers are asked to be cautious while using the trails, as the fire remains in patrol status. The Garden Loop Trail remains closed indefinitely.

August 6, 2013 6:29 pm

The main Mount Si and Little Si trails reopened Aug. 1 after being closed due to the “444 Fire,” first reported Friday, July 26. The state Department of Natural Resources, which directed fire-fighting efforts, reports that the fire was fully contained and controlled July 31. Hikers are asked to be cautious while using the trails, as the fire remains in patrol status. The Garden Loop Trail remains closed indefinitely.

Initial reports indicated the fire was caused by human activities, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The 444 wildfire burned 18 acres in steep rocky terrain at the base of Mount Si, between the Mount Si and Little Si trails. Firefighters from the DNR and Eastside Fire & Rescue, along with two DNR helicopters worked to control the fire. DNR fire managers ask that the public remember to practice good stewardship of state’s natural resources and be careful when visiting wooded areas.