Wildfire near Mount Vernon temporarily closed Highway 9

MOUNT VERNON -- Firefighters are trying to put a stop to a wildfire at a local park. It’s happening at Big Rock in Skagit County east of Mount Vernon. Only a couple of acres have burned so far and firefighters are now working in rough terrain.

“Its déjà vu, I guess,” said Brian Kellerman, who lives at the base of Big Rock. He’s used to wildfires threatening his property.

“Back in the late 90's, we had a fire on the north side,” said Kellerman

Flames scorched trees and brush as 15 firefighters from local departments and the Department of Natural Resources have been battling the blaze since early Thursday morning.

“It’s very steep, we’re talking 100 percent slopes with rolling materials,” said DNR spokesman Steve  Jennison.

None the nearby homes are in danger of burning.

A helicopter capable of dropping 300 gallons of water on the fire flew over from Ellensburg.

The Department of Transportation closed State Route 9 so that helicopter could do its job safely. The highway reopened after sundown.

Officials said the cause is still under investigation – but it was likely caused by people.

“There are a couple trails that go in and around that area, that go clear to the top,” said Jennison. “It is a county park and a lot of people go up there in the area.”

And even though this is a relatively small fire, DNR wants to remind everyone how quickly it could have spread out of control.

“We just want to encourage people to make sure that they have any flames out there that they’re put out,” said Jennison. “Right now there are burn bans in most counties and on DNR protected land.”