A United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed into a mountainside near Rimrock Lake in Yakima County, Washington, shortly before noon Saturday, sparking a wildfire and prompting the evacuation of campers in the surrounding area. The pilot ejected from the aircraft before impact and sustained only minor injuries, according to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, which said a mountain pass deputy made contact with the pilot at the scene. The aviator was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.

Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, confirmed in a statement that the jet was conducting routine training at the time of the crash. The unit described the incident as a "non-fatal aviation mishap" and said the investigation into the cause could take months. "To preserve the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are available at this time," the statement read.

The crash ignited a brush fire that sent thick columns of black smoke rising above the forested terrain surrounding the lake, a popular outdoor recreation destination. Naches Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service's Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest responded with helicopters and at least one ground engine to suppress the blaze. Crews also completed structure protection near the Bear Creek cabins before clearing the scene, with a water tender remaining on site and expected to return Sunday for mop-up operations.

Authorities closed the 1200 Road system on the south side of Rimrock Lake and coordinated the evacuation of campers from the area using multiple law enforcement agencies. The area was described as falling within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 125 miles southeast of Seattle. Officials advised the public to avoid the area for the foreseeable future as fire suppression and crash investigation efforts continue.