SEATTLE - A wildfire northeast of Trout Lake had grown to more than 500 acres Sunday and forced the closure of one of the most popular trails at Mount Adams.

Smoke from the Cold Springs Fire was visible from as far away as the Portland/Vancouver area to the west, and Yakima to the east. The KING 5 newsroom received several calls from people concerned that Mount Adams was erupting.

The Forest Service said fire crews from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are fighting the fire with hand crews and wildland fire engines. Three air tankers, one heavy firefighting helicopter, and one medium sized firefighting helicopter are assisting ground crews. Access to the Cold Springs/South Climb Trailhead was closed, and climbers were safely evacuated from the area.

Forest Roads 23, 80 and 82 are also closed at the Forest Boundary north of Trout Lake.

"The fire is in a remote area with many dead trees so as always our highest priority is the safety of the public and firefighters," said Nancy Ryke, Mount Adams District Ranger. "We will monitor the situation and, based upon the status of the fire, will assess any additional closures."

The fire was first reported at about 8 p.m. on Saturday. A lightning strike from a thunderstorm earlier this month is thought to be the cause of the fire.

Outside Wenatchee, firefighters scrambled to make progress Sunday, since the weather could bring trouble overnight.

"We do have some winds forecasted for about 18 mile an hour gusts later this afternoon," said incident spokesman Dave Cox.

The northern edge of the 14,000 acre fire remains the area of greatest concern. It's is less than two miles from the Columbia River, and Highway 2.

About 160 homes remain under an evacuation order. Some residents are choosing to stay and protect their homes.

"Those who have chosen to do that are aware emergency personnel will not be able to get to them, in the event this fire runs," said Cox.