Release Date: August 30, 2023 

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Public Affairs Office, Olympic_PAO@nps.gov

360-565-3005 

Hurricane Fire Continues to Burn in Olympic National Park

Port Angeles, WA – The lightning caused fire burning in the Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic National Park continued to burn overnight. The fire had rolling debris late this afternoon that ignited fire below the main body of the fire. As a result of this the fire found more receptive fuels and grew to about 3 acres. The Hurricane fire is located in steep, rugged terrain with dry and receptive fuel beds. Other challenges firefighters face includes falling rocks and rolling debris. 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 tender, and Olympic Fire Program staff. The new addition of aerial resources today is a welcomed asset, however there were limited opportunities to fly due to cloud cover and poor visibility. 

The Hurricane fire was ignited on the afternoon of August 28, 2023 when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula. There are currently 30 personnel assisting with suppression efforts.

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 on the Olympic Peninsula.

The nearby Eagle Point fire in the Obstruction Point area is approximately 1 acre in size. Crews are monitoring this fire for any potential fire growth or impacts to the Obstruction Point Road.
 

On August 18, 2023 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. 

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. 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 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 360-5665-3100 or https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm.

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Today’s weather calls for mostly cloudy skies and diminishing showers with normal temperatures between 50 – 55 degrees. A system expected on Thursday will bring another round of widespread rain/showers Thursday and Thursday evening. A warming and drying trend is expected to follow Friday and into the weekend.

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

Information for the Hurricane Fire can be found at: Waolp 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  

--NPS--

WEATHER: Cooler temperatures and a chance of precipitation are forecasted for Thursday and Friday on the Happy Camp Complex. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch from late Thursday night through Friday evening for the Mckinney and Head fire burn areas.

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Elliot (10,529 acres, 23%), Malone (976 acres, 19%), Ufish (2,731 acres, 0%)

Today, firefighters on the west side of the Happy Camp Complex focused on securing fire lines on all three fires. Fire crews made good progress on the Ufish and Elliot fires where strategic firing operations occurred, strengthening the fire lines protecting the community of Happy Camp. Crews working along Highway 96 continued to mop up and patrol the corridor to ensure the fire line holds. On the Malone Fire crews worked to hold and improve fire lines. Tonight firefighters will work to complete strategic firing.  

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Head (6,940 acres, 61%), Block (0.1 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 100%), Scott (1,886 acres, 70%), Lake (199, acres, 50%)

Today, firefighters on the Head Fire worked in steep and rugged terrain to build direct hand line along the northern and southern edges of the fire. Helicopters assisted with water drops, supporting crews on the fire line. Crews continued fire line improvement on the Scott and Lake fires. Crews will continue to patrol the fires tonight watching for hot spots near the line.

EVACUATIONS: View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders and warnings by visiting: community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system at: www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices/page/codered-emergency-alert

An evacuation center has been established at the Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 95097. Call (530) 340-3539 if you have questions regarding the shelter.

ROAD CONDITIONS: State Route 96 is now open. One-way traffic control remains in place in several areas while crews work to repair damaged infrastructure, remove debris, and stabilize slopes. Delays at the locations with one-way traffic control could be up to an hour or more. County road closures will be listed on the Siskiyou County Public Works website: www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/publicworks/page/closures-and-delays

FOREST CLOSURE: Two closure orders have been implemented: Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No.05-05-23-06; Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No. 05-05-23-07. View closure orders and maps at: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR): A TFR has been established over the fire area. Flight restrictions include the use of drones. The operation of drones under the TFR is prohibited.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL:  The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between the Shelly Fork Junction and Seiad as part of an area closure under Forest Order 05-05-23-07. It is suggested that northbound through-hikers exit the trail at Etna Summit and resume northward travel from Seiad.

AIR QUALITY: For information regarding smoke impacts and what you can do to protect yourself, visit the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District Fire and Smoke Information Website at: www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/airpollution/page/fire-and-smoke-information or AirNow.gov

Fire information officers will be stationed at designated locations throughout the community to answer questions and share updates on Thursday-Saturday, August 31-September 2.

The schedule includes:

Thursday, August 31st

• Jonsrud Lookout, SE Bluff Rd, Sandy from 1:00-5:00 pm
• Safeway, 37601 Highway 26, Sandy from 1:00-6:00 pm

Friday, September 1st

• Thriftway, 68380 Highway 26, Welches from 1:00-6:00 pm
• Mt. Hood Foods, 73265 E. Highway 26, Rhododendron from 1:00-6:00 pm

Saturday, September 2nd

• Ant Farm Cafe, 39140 Proctor Blvd, Sandy from 12:00-2:00 pm
• Jonsrud Lookout, SE Bluff Rd, Sandy from 1:00-5:00 pm
• Corbett County Market, 36801 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett from 3:00-5:00 pm

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Current Situation: The Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two assumed command of the Cowlitz Complex Fire this morning. Local fire crews have done an excellent job of making progress on establishing containment line around several of the more than 40 wildfires currently active in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The majority of these fires are small in size. The accompanying map identifies all of these fires.

Considering the large number of wildfires and limited resources to address them, there is a need to prioritize fire response based on values at risk, such as private property, critical infrastructure, and natural resource concerns. As a result, four of the fires have been identified for immediate attention, while the remaining fires will be addressed based on resource availability, fire behavior, and values at risk over the coming days or weeks.

The 15-acre South Fork Fire is located 5.5 miles west-southwest of Packwood, Washington, in the South Fork Williams Creek drainage. Firefighters have established containment line around the fire perimeter and will continue working to identify and extinguish heat sources within the fire perimeter.

The 15-acre Carlton Ridge Fire is about ½-mile northeast of private property on Carlton Ridge, about 7.5 miles northwest of White Pass. Two homes are currently under Level 3 evacuation orders. Crews have established containment line around the fire perimeter and are securing the edge and mopping up heat sources near containment lines.

The 6-acre Grassy Mountain Fire is located 4.5 miles northeast of Randle, Washington, on the northern slope of Grassy Mountain. The remote location, dense forest canopy, and steep terrain limit access to safely get fire crews in and out of the fire area. The Grassy Mountain fire is currently unstaffed while strategic planners develop a plan of attack.

The Snagtooth and Spencer Quartz Fires are located 21 miles south of Randle on the south side of Snagtooth Mountain. Together, they are the largest of the Cowlitz Complex fires at a combined 449 acres. Access is limited due to the remote location and steep terrain. Crews scouted the fire yesterday and are identifying values at risk and assessing the potential for growth. A suppression response strategy is being developed.

Fire Restrictions: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited across the Gifford Pinchot National Forest – only propane-fueled fire is allowed. Additional information is available on the forest’s website at Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Fire Management (usda.gov).

Weather & Smoke Information: Recent rain, cloud cover, and higher humidity have helped reduce fire activity to creeping and smoldering, giving firefighters time and opportunity to respond. However, a heavy layer of forest duff conceals fire burning at depth, out of reach of humidity and precipitation. There is potential for these fires to rekindle in warmer, dryer, and windier conditions. Last night’s rain tapered off overnight and is expected to move out of the area by noon today, bringing afternoon sun and valley temperatures in the 60s. Humidity will be 60 to 70% today, which will help keep fire behavior minimal.

Closures: In anticipation of ongoing fire activity in the vicinity of the Snagtooth Fire the following roads and trails will be closed to the public to reduce exposure and help ensure public safety: Forest Roads 9300 and 9341 (currently off limits), Boundary Trail #1(from Elk Pass to intersection with Summit Prairie), Summit Prairie #2, Craggy Peak #3, Snagtooth #4, Quartz #5, Stabler Camp #17, Wright Meadows #80, Basin Camp #3A, Quartz #5B, Quartz #5C (French Creek), Snyder Pasture #80A.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire area between U.S. Highway 12 and Mount Rainier National Park. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems or drones. If you fly, we can’t! Learn more about how to use drones safely and responsibly at Home - Know Before You Fly.

South Fork Complex Community Meeting

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31 2-3 P.M.

MAD RIVER COMMUNITY HALL

591 VAN DUZEN RD., MAD RIVER

FOREST SERVICE BRIEFING & UPDATES

INFORMATION ABOUT EVACUATION STATUS

OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS

Missoula Area Restrictions & Closures

For More Information Contact: Michael Sullivan, USFS -Bitterroot National Forest (406) 363-7150, Michael.P.Sullivan@usda.gov

Flathead and Sanders Counties Removing Fire Restrictions – Effective September 1, 2023

Missoula, MT—Flathead and Sanders counties will be removing all fire restrictions on September 1, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. This transition from Stage 2 fire restrictions to no restrictions will also include all State land and private classified as forested land within both counties. Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect for the Flathead Indian Reservation, Lake and Granite counties, and all State land and private classified as forested land throughout Lake and Granite counties. The Lolo National Forest and several other jurisdictions within the Missoula Restrictions Area are not implementing fire restrictions currently. For more information on fire restrictions in effect throughout Montana visit www.MTFireInfo.org.

Factors influencing the decision to implement, alter, or maintain fire restrictions are variable and reflect the diverse conditions across the landscape. Moisture received has helped reduce fire danger in many areas within the Missoula Restrictions Zone, but forecasted weather, current large fire activity, frequent human caused wildfires, and resource limitations are also important criteria that influence decisions regarding fire restrictions. Restrictions are intended to minimize unwanted human ignition sources to better allow firefighters to focus on naturally caused fires. This year, an average of 80% of Missoula Area wildfires have been human caused.

Under Stage 1 restrictions for Lake and Granite counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation (Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes), the following acts are prohibited until rescinded:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within a developed recreation site or improved site.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant long-term change in fire danger and orders are rescinded. Restrictions documentation for each jurisdiction, including exemptions specific to each jurisdiction, is provided on www.MTFireInfo.org. Please remember that while using devices solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels is allowed during Stage 1 or Stage 2 restrictions, such devices are to be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

In summary, the following restrictions will be in place by September 1, 2023, 12:01 a.m. within the Missoula Restrictions Area:

• Granite County – Stage 1 • Lake County – Stage 1

• Flathead Indian Reservation (CS&KT) – Stage 1

• Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), State land and private classified as forested land within the above counties – Stage 1

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Region 1 within Lake County – Stage 1

• Montana FWP, Region 2 within Granite County – Stage 1

A fire incident management team works closely with the local Sheriff's Office during a wildfire incident because evacuation orders are initiated by law enforcement. The Camp Creek Fire is no exception. Local law enforcement has been working closely with the Great Basin Incident Management Team 1 to ensure local residents are aware of closures, evacuation plans, and current evacuation levels.

The Clackamas County Wildfire website is an excellent resource for anyone living or visiting the area. The comprehensive site includes evacuation planning maps, education on the evacuation levels and what actions are appropriate for each, and ways to receive public alert notifications. Click on the link below to view their helpful resources.

Sheriff's Office Flathead County

Brian Henio, Sheriff

920 SOUTH MAIN STREET, STE 100, KALISPELL MONTANA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pre-Evacuation Warning Rescinded – East Fork Fire

Olney, MT – Wednesday, August 30, 2023 @ 01:00 p.m.

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino in coordination with Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6 has deemed that the imminent risk of danger to life and properties in the vicinity of the East Fork Fire has diminished at this time. 

The Pre Evacuation Warnings issued on August 17, 2023, and August 20, 2023, are rescinded, and will be effective at 01:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. A Pre-Evacuation Warning may need to be reissued if the risk of danger to life and property should again warrant such action.

For more information, please visit https://flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/oes/emergency-management/east-fork-fire-information or call the Flathead County Office of Emergency Services Public Information Line at 406-758-2111.