News Release

Minimal Fire Behavior on Bear Creek Fire

Date: August 4, 2021
Contact: Katy Hooper

Minimal fire behavior with slow growth on the Bear Creek Fire was observed over the last few days. With improved smoke and weather conditions, air operations were successful on Tuesday to fly the perimeter of the Bear Creek Fire. The fire is estimated at 1,000 acres, an increase in acreage due to more accurate mapping information; the footprint of the fire has not grown significantly. Minimal fire behavior is expected to continue in the coming days as weather is predicted to bring cooler temperatures and additional moisture to the area. 

Firefighters are working within a confine and contain strategy using opportunities to minimize spread. These strategies use terrain and natural features like rocky slopes and outcroppings, avalanche chutes, and advantageous use of aviation. Due to the location, firefighters are currently unable to safely engage directly on the fire’s edge. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Information from hikers and visitors is often very helpful to the investigation. If you have information and have not already been in contact with an investigator call 1-888-653-0009. 

Trail and camp closures remain on 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.  

Smoke from the Bear Creek Fire will generally impact the Chilliwack drainage, and the smaller drainages feeding into the Chilliwack, until early next week. Smoke models show air quality impacts to Ross Lake Thursday morning from fires in Canada. West winds over the next few days may push smoke from the Bear Creek Fire into the Ross Lake corridor as well.  As warmer and drier weather returns to the fire area on Monday, expect additional impacts to Ross Lake and Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park in Canada. Take precaution when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present. Learn more at airnow.gov or visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

For updates and information visit the park website at www.nps.gov/noca or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NorthCascadesNationalPark. Contact the Wilderness Information Center for trail information at, 360-854-7245. 

www.nps.gov/noca