Most of Mount Adams Wilderness reopens to public

TROUT LAKE, Wash. (AP) — Most of the Mount Adams Wilderness that had been closed because of wildfire danger is now open to the public.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday that the Pacific Crest Trail, Mount Adams climbing routes and other sites reopened because the Cougar Creek Fire is mostly contained and fire danger has been reduced. A few recreation sites on the south side of the mountain are still closed so visitors are urged to check the latest closure maps.

The fire started by lightning Aug. 10 has burned about 80 square miles in southwest Washington.

The federal agency also lifted a ban on campfires outside of developed recreation sites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Visitors are used to build campfires in established pits, keep fires small and completely extinguish blazes.