CLE ELUM, Wash. – A major travel link along Washington's Cascades remains closed through the weekend as two large wildfires continue to burn near the roadway.

The Washington State Department of Transportation says a 29-mile stretch of US-97, also known as Blewett Pass, will remain closed through at least Monday . Nearby flames from the Labor Mountain Fire and Lower Sugarloaf Fire have kept the pass closed since Sept. 21.

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect in Chelan and Kittitas Counties as the fire continues into its third week of impacts. Officials say over 25,000 acres have been scorched since lightning sparked the blaze on Sept. 1. Several hundred firefighters are battling the fire, which is only about 7% contained.

• next Image 1 of 6 The Labor Mountain Fire burns in the Washing

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