Weather Moderates Fire Behavior; Fire Persists in Steep Rugged Terrain
Update: Yesterday, lower temperatures and increasing humidity on the east side of the Peninsula moderated fire growth. Fire managers are prioritizing the protection of structures in the Copper Creek drainage where firefighters are engaged in day and night operations. East of the fire, mastication continues along the 2419 road system to remove roadside brush and debris and make it a more defendable holding feature should fire move in that direction. Fire personnel are protecting structures in the Staircase area within Olympic National Park using sprinkler systems, hose-lays, pumps, and clearing brush. Crews successfully protected the estimated 1,000-year-old Big Cedar Tree near the Staircase campground. To date, all structures are still intact. South of the fire, west of the lake, firefighters are improving natural holding features to protect structures, timber and other critical values. Helicopters are strategically cooling fire edges with water drops when weather conditions and smoke levels allow for effective and safe engagement.
Fire Behavior: Increased humidity is helping to moderate fire behavior. Surface fire spread is still anticipated, with minimal isolated torching and shorter spotting distances. Due to extremely dry conditions and steep terrain with heavy fuel loads, the fire is expected to remain on the landscape until extinguished by rain and snow in the fall.
Weather: Cloudy conditions will continue. There is a chance of rain starting Tuesday afternoon through Thursday evening. Temps will stay cooler in the 60s, with relative humidity getting down to 60 percent today.
Smoke Outlook: Air quality can change quickly. Know your risk to wildfire smoke and plan to reduce exposure. For current smoke reports visit https://fire.airnow.gov
Lake Closure: Together with Mason County Sheriff, Tacoma Public Utilities has closed Lake Cushman to public use in support of the Bear Gulch suppression and evacuation efforts.
Fire Restrictions: All campfires are prohibited in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. All outdoor burning is prohibited in Mason County.
Olympic National Forest Closures: There are many road, trail, and campground closures in the southeast portion of the Forest. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/alerts for the specifics of what is closed and open.
Olympic National Park Closures: There are extensive closures on the southeast corner of Olympic National Park. Please visit https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fire-conditions-and-updates.htm for more information.
Evacuation Levels: The Bear Gulch Fire area near Dry Creek Trail is in a Level 3 “GO” evacuation. This includes the Staircase Campground and areas across the causeway on the north side of Lake Cushman. The area south of Dry Creek has a Level 2 “BE SET” evacuation notice. For current evacuation information: https://www.facebook.com/masoncosheriff
Air Space Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Bear Gulch Fire. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org
How You Can Help: Our wildland fire crews are well equipped and cared for. Creating defensible space around your home is the BEST thing you can do to help firefighters. Learn how at https://www.ready.gov/wildfires. Banners and signs boosting morale are also appreciated. Please confirm needs by contacting organizations of your choice before donating items.
Fire Investigation: Olympic National Forest is seeking tips for how the fire started on July 6. Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact the Forest Service Tipline by phone at 541-618-2154 or by email at?[email protected]. Tips submitted via email should have the subject, “Bear Gulch.” Learn more: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/newsroom/releases/usda-forest-service-seeks-public-help-fire-investigation-lake-cushman to learn more.
Recreation Opportunities: Many recreation areas remain open. Learn more: https://www.explorehoodcanal.com/