Wildfire ignites after military aircraft crash near Rimrock Lake

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 ejected from the aircraft before the crash and was transported to a hospital, according to Naches Fire. 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. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available