Single Publication

For Immediate Release

Contact: Public Affairs Office, Olympic_PAO@nps.gov, 360-565-3005

Hurricane Fire holds at 3 acres following rainy and cloudy day

Port Angeles, Wash. - The Hurricane Fire did not grow following a rainy and cloudy day at Hurricane Ridge; fire suppression efforts made progress by establishing containment lines, laying a hose to the fire, and working to prevent rolling debris from causing additional fire spread. Aerial resources were not used today due to weather and poor visibility but are scheduled to be used tomorrow if weather allows.

The forecast going into the weekend calls for sunnier and drier conditions, which could promote fire growth. It will be closely monitored over the weekend.

Hurricane Ridge Road will remain closed on Friday, September 1, but that closure is being evaluated daily. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority on the Hurricane Fire. 

The fire is under a full suppression strategy and is currently being worked by a Type 2 initial attack hand crew, a Type 2 helicopter, a contracted water tender, and Olympic Fire Program staff. Aerial resources will be used when weather conditions allow. There are currently 30 personnel assisting with suppression efforts.

The Hurricane Fire was ignited on the afternoon of August 28, when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula.

A reconnaissance flight is planned in the coming days to determine if there are any additional fire starts as a result of the recent lighting strikes. Flights have been delayed due to recent weather and low visibility.

The nearby Eagle Point Fire in the Obstruction Point area is approximately 1 acre in size. Due to cloud cover, the Eagle Point Fire was not visible today. No suppression actions have taken place due to steep and inaccessible terrain.

On August 18, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest implemented a total 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.  

Closures  

The Hurricane Ridge Road is closed just past the Heart of the Hills entrance station for firefighter and public safety. Fire staff and park management are reviewing this closure daily. Visitors can still access the Heart of the Hills Campground. Lake Angeles and Heather Park Trails have reopened and are accessible. These trails are good options for visitors that want a strenuous hike that brings them into the mountain region of the park. For updates on road status and weather conditions please call 360-565-3131 or visit on the web at www.nps.gov/olym.  

Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will remain 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

Today’s weather called for rain and mostly cloudy skies with temperatures between 44 and 47 degrees. Winds remained below 10 mph. Friday and Saturday are calling for sunnier and drier conditions with highs in the 60s.

Smoke from the Hurricane and Eagle Point Fires may be visible depending on weather conditions. 

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

National Interagency Fire Center: https://www.nifc.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   

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