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by KOMO News Staff
WENATCHEE, Wash. — A military aircraft crashed near Rimrock Lake on Saturday, sparking a wildfire that prompted a response from local and federal firefighting agencies.
The pilot safely escaped from the aircraft before the crash and was transported to a hospital, according to Naches Fire.
The aircraft involved was an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, according to U.S. Marine Corps Station Miramar.
In a statement, the Marine Corps said, "The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are available at this time. Mishap investigations can take several months to complete, depending on various factors."
The crash ignited a wildfire in the area that firefighters are actively working to suppress.
The 1200 Rd system on the south side of Rimrock is closed, and campers are currently being evacuated out of the area by multiple law enforcement agencies, Naches fire officials said.
The area should be avoided until further notice.
Helicopters and at least one engine from the U.S. Forest Service's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are involved in firefighting operations.
Naches Fire units completed structure protection efforts near the Bear Creek cabins before clearing the scene.
A department water tender will remain at the fire through the afternoon and is expected to return Sunday morning to assist with mop-up operations.
No additional information about the aircraft, the pilot's condition, or the size of the fire was immediately available.
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