A San Diego-based F/A-18 Hornet military jet crashed Saturday near Mt. Rainier in Washington state, sparking a wildfire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The incident occurred around Rimrock Lake, a 2,546-acre reservoir located approximately 10 miles east of White Pass along Highway 12.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud “popping sound” from the aircraft before it crashed into the mountainside near the lake. Observers noted smoke trailing from the jet prior to impact. The pilot ejected safely before the crash, and no injuries have been reported, according to officials from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.

The crash triggered a wildfire near Forest Road 1241, prompting a significant firefighting response. Helicopters and crews from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest were deployed to contain the blaze. Authorities closed roads south of Rimrock Lake, including access off Forest Road 1200, to ensure public safety. Campgrounds in the area were evacuated as a precaution.

Fire crews remained on site throughout Saturday afternoon and were expected to continue mop-up operations on Sunday morning. The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that military personnel and resources were dispatched to assist with the response, and additional updates are anticipated.

Local witnesses described the moments leading up to the crash, with one noting that several jets had flown over the lake earlier before the one involved produced the unusual noise and smoke. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash and have yet to release further details.