Marine Corps Fighter Jet Crashes in Washington State, Sparks Pine Tree Wildfire, Pilot Ejects Safely and Survives (VIDEOS) * The Gateway Pundit * by Cassandra MacDonald

www.thegatewaypundit.com

Smoke rises from a forested area, indicating a wildfire in a pine forest against a clear blue sky.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed on Saturday afternoon near Rimrock Lake in Yakima County, Washington, during a routine training flight.

The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

However, the crash ignited a small wildfire on the south side of the lake, prompting a response from local firefighters and the U.S. Forest Service.

WATCH:

The incident occurred around noon local time in a remote, forested area of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 55 miles southeast of Seattle, near popular camping spots.

Initial reports described the blaze as “small,” ranging from about half an acre to approximately 2 acres.

CBS News reports:

The Naches Fire Department said the fire was being suppressed by helicopters and at least one engine from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest crew.

Helicopters and at least one engine from the U.S. Forest Service’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest also responded. The size of the blaze was unclear.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, officials said.

The jet was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California.

No mechanical issues, pilot error details, or other causes have been publicly disclosed.

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