Single Publication

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest Fire Update- September 8

Port Angeles, Wash. – Fire activity across the park remained minimal today, even with rising temperatures and lowering relative humidity levels. Saturday’s forecast is calling for the warmest and driest weather over the last few days; crews will continue to closely monitor fire conditions. The Hurricane Fire is 85% contained and fire crews continue to double check and secure the fire’s perimeter. Crews monitored the Eagle Point Fire but did not see any major changes in activity.

On a helicopter reconnaissance flight, fire personnel did not see any smoke from the Diamond Mountain and Delabarre fires. Martins Lake Fire has grown slightly to 1.5 acres. The Low Divide Fire showed low rates of spread with low flames and smoldering. Fire crews continue to make contact with backcountry visitors in the Low Divide and Martins Lake areas. No closures are anticipated at this time.

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

6 acres

N. Fork Quinault drainage

Delabarre

9/1/23

1 acre

3 miles SE of Mount Christie

Martins Lake

9/2/23

1.5 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 100% contained. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area. This will be the last update on the fire unless significant changes occur. For additional information, please 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

Warm and dry conditions will set up over the fire site today and Saturday as upper-level ridging sets up over the area. The highest temperatures and lowest relative humidity values are expected on Saturday. A weakening frontal system will pass over the site Sunday afternoon, bringing cooler temperatures and the chance for showers. Continued seasonal conditions expected through at least the middle of next week.

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--