Wildfire closes section of Highway 9 near Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. -- State Route 9 between East College Way and Mount Vernon Big Lake Road was closed to traffic until nightfall Thursday so that aerial crews can make drops on a nearby wildfire.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reported that a fire burned some trees and brush Thursday morning near Mount Vernon.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the fire was called in at 2:15 a.m. and burned about two acres by 9:30 a.m. The fire started near the top of Big Rock, and then fire embers moved down the cliff.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Officials said the fire was close to a few homes, but no one was being asked to evacuate.