News Release

Bear Creek Fire Update

Date: August 1, 2021
Contact: Katy Hooper

The Bear Creek Fire received approximately .10 inches of rain overnight and is currently receiving additional moisture today. The fire is estimated at 150 acres. Acreage is expected to increase as more accurate mapping information becomes available.  

The fire is in a remote Wilderness area with extremely steep terrain, very limited access and heavy, low-moisture, fuel loads.  Due to the location, weather, and smoke constraints, firefighters are unable to currently engage directly on the fires edge safely.  Crews are actively gathering intelligence and information to develop safe and effective strategic planning opportunities to implement a confine and contain strategy on the fire. 

Saturday’s fire behavior was significantly less due to cooler temperatures and moisture in the area. Flight operations for information gathering and mapping are planned if weather improves. Fire behavior is expected to remain the same today. 

Park officials have closed portions of the Copper Ridge and Chilliwack trails due to the fire’s proximity. The Copper Ridge Trail is closed from Copper Lookout to the junction with the Chilliwack Trail. The Chilliwack Trail is closed from the junction of Brush Creek Trail to the north terminus. Copper Lake, Bear Creek, and Indian Creek camps are also closed.  

Wildfires can produce high quantities of smoke. During wildfire activity, firefighters can do little to reduce smoke impacts. Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more at airnow.gov or visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

Contact the Wilderness Information Center for trail information at, 360-854-7245. 

www.nps.gov/noca