Fighter Jet Crash in Washington Ignites Wildfire; Pilot Escapes
WHO:
KOMO - The pilot was transported to a hospital after safely escaping from the aircraft before the crash, according to Naches Fire.
CBS News - A pilot involved in the incident survived the crash.
WHAT:
KOMO - The Marine Corps stated that "no additional information about the aircraft, the pilot's condition, or the size of the fire was immediately available."
NBC News - The crash resulted in road closures and campground evacuations in the area.
KOMO - Naches Fire units completed structure protection efforts near the Bear Creek cabins before clearing the scene.
KOMO - The aircraft involved was an F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
KOMO - The crash ignited a wildfire that prompted a response from local and federal firefighting agencies.
KOMO - Helicopters and at least one engine from the U.S. Forest Service's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are involved in firefighting operations.
KOMO - 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.
CBS News - A fighter jet crashed into a mountain, resulting in a wildfire.
WHERE:
KOMO - The area around Rimrock Lake should be avoided until further notice due to ongoing firefighting efforts.
NY Post - The crash occurred near Mt. Rainier, Washington.
KOMO - The area around Rimrock Lake should be avoided until further notice.
KOMO - 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.
CBS News - The crash occurred in Yakima County, Washington.
WHEN:
CBS News - The crash happened on a Saturday afternoon.
WHY:
KOMO - The cause of the mishap is currently under investigation, and the Marine Corps stated that "mishap investigations can take several months to complete, depending on various factors."
CBS News - The cause of the crash is not specified in the article.
HOW:
KOMO - Firefighters are actively working to suppress the wildfire ignited by the crash.
KOMO - 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.
CBS News - The pilot ejected safely before the jet crashed.
(UPDATED June 14, 2026 19:20 UTC)
The Marine Corps has announced that there is currently no additional information available regarding the aircraft involved, the pilot's condition, or the size of the fire. They are advising the public to avoid the area around Rimrock Lake until further notice, as firefighting efforts are still underway. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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(UPDATED June 14, 2026 17:19 UTC)
A crash near Mt. Rainier, Washington, has led to road closures and the evacuation of nearby campgrounds. Firefighters are currently working to suppress a wildfire that was ignited by the incident. The situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
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(UPDATED June 14, 2026 15:32 UTC)
A pilot was transported to a hospital after safely escaping from an aircraft before it crashed, according to Naches Fire. Fire units have completed structure protection efforts near the Bear Creek cabins and have cleared the scene, but the area around Rimrock Lake should be avoided until further notice. A department water tender will remain at the fire throughout the afternoon and is expected to return on Sunday morning to assist with mop-up operations.
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(UPDATED June 14, 2026 08:18 UTC)
An F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11 crashed, igniting a wildfire that has prompted a significant response from local and federal firefighting agencies. Helicopters and at least one engine from the U.S. Forest Service's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are actively involved in battling the flames, while a department water tender will remain on site through the afternoon and return Sunday morning for mop-up operations. The cause of the crash is under investigation, with the Marine Corps noting that such investigations can take several months to complete.
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(UPDATED June 14, 2026 06:27 UTC)
A fighter jet crashed into a mountain in Yakima County, Washington, leading to a wildfire in the area. Fortunately, the pilot was able to eject safely before the crash and survived the incident. The cause of the crash has not been specified at this time.