Single Publication

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest Fire Update- September 7

Port Angeles, Wash. – After cooler and more humid conditions, fire activity remained quiet today. However, firefighters are planning for a warming and drying trend over the next few days, which could increase fire activity.

Eagle Point Fire remains at 70 acres. Today, fire crews continued to double check and secure the fire perimeter near the switchbacks on Obstruction Point Road.

The Hurricane Fire is 85% contained and remains at 4 acres. Crews continued to double check and secure the fire perimeter. The Hurricane Ridge Road will remain open to the public.

The Delabarre, Low Divide, Martins Lake, and Diamond Mountain fires showed no change from yesterday and remain at the same acreage:

Fire Name

Initial Report

Estimated Size as of 9/5

Location

Hurricane

8/28/23

4 acres

2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area

Eagle Point

8/28/23

70 acres

~5 miles out Obstruction Point Road

Diamond Mountain

9/1/23

25 acres

3.3 miles NE of

Anderson Pass

Low Divide

9/1/23

4.5 acres

N. Fork Quinault drainage

Delabarre

9/1/23

1 acre

3 miles SE of Mount Christie

Martins Lake

9/2/23

.1 acres

2 miles NE of Mount Christie

Fire is an integral part of the forested ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Many factors such as weather, topography, and vegetation influence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on natural resources.

Olympic National Forest Fires

The Tunnel Creek Fire, located east of the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest, is now 80% contained, and is estimated at just under 1 acre in size. Moderated weather conditions continue to help firefighters as they work to create handline around the perimeter of the fire. Visitors are asked to avoid the area for public and firefighter safety. For additional information contact the Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (360) 956-2402.

Background Information

All six active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula.

On August 18, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest implemented a fire ban including charcoal fires. The move to Stage 2 fire restrictions is due to continued hot and dry conditions that are forecasted to continue at least through the end of October as dry conditions in the region persist. One less spark means one less wildfire.

Closures  

Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will be closed until further notice. Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by this closure. Any permit holders who plan to backpack via the Obstruction Point Trailhead should contact the WIC at 360-565-3100 or https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm.   

Weather and Fire Behavior

A weak upper level trough will move through the state this afternoon. A mix of clouds and sun will be seen in most places this afternoon. There is a slight chance of a couple showers. The weather clears out Friday into Saturday as surface high pressure and upper-level ridging build into the region. High temperatures will peak Saturday with upper 70s to low 80s. The next weather system arrives Sunday evening and Monday with a cold front sweeping through the state.

Information for the Eagle Point Fire can be found at: Eagle Point Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Information for the Hurricane Fire can be found at: Hurricane Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym 
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic
State and county area burn bans: www.waburnbans.net   

--NPS--