A military jet crashed near Rimrock Lake in Yakima county Saturday, leading to wildfire in the surrounding woods.
UPDATE: June 13, 2026 at 6:46 p.m.
According to a press release from the Marine Corps Air Station in Maramar, California, the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft that crashed on Saturday was conducting “routine training” at the time of the incident, which officials noted was around 12 p.m.
The pilot was reportedly recovered by Yakima County Sheriff’s Office personnel after safely ejecting before the crash.
Marine Corps officials stated that an investigation has been launched into the cause of the “mishap,” which could take several months to complete.
“To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are available at this time,” officials said.
Naches Fire Department (NFD) crews are continuing to battle the wildfire near Rimrock Lake that sparked as a result of the crash.
Officials with the department reported on Saturday evening that the NF-1200 Road system, just south of the lake, was closed down as law enforcement evacuated all campers from the area.
“The area should be avoided for the foreseeable future,” NFD officials stated.
YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – A wildfire ignited on Saturday afternoon near Rimrock Lake after a military aircraft crashed in the surrounding woods, according to the Naches Fire Department (NFD).
The pilot was reportedly transported to the hospital after safely ejecting from the aircraft prior to impact.
NFD personnel are currently working at the scene to suppress the remaining fire, with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service out of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Officials noted that aerial resources were dispatched in addition to ground crews.
“Our units have completed structure protection near the Bear Creek cabins and have just cleared the scene,†NFD officials said.
Crews are set to continue working at the scene through Saturday afternoon, and mop-up operations will resume on Sunday morning.
Article originally published June 13, 2026 at 4:46 p.m.
