News Release
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Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005
Port Angeles, Wash. – After a reconnaissance flight, fire personnel were able to determine the Eagle Point Fire is burning at 105 acres. The fire has reached the Obstruction Point Road and firefighters are using a confine and contain strategy, taking actions to keep it on the south side of the ridge. A wildland fire module, a Type 6 engine, and twelve personnel are working the fire.
The Hurricane Fire showed little to no change from yesterday. It remains at 4 acres and 75% contained. Six fire personnel are working the fire. Hurricane Ridge Road will remain open to the public.
A reconnaissance flight allowed fire personnel to evaluate the other fires in the park. Martins Lake Fire shows minimal activity but grew from a spot fire to 1/10th acre. The Delabarre Fire had no visible smoke from the air. The Low Divide and Diamond Mountain fires were not visible due to weather conditions.
|
Fire Name |
Initial Report |
Estimated Size as of 9/4 |
Location |
|
Hurricane |
8/28/23 |
4 acres |
2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area |
|
Eagle Point |
8/28/23 |
105 acres |
~5 miles out Obstruction Point Road |
|
Diamond Mountain |
9/1/23 |
25 acres |
3.3 miles NE of Anderson Pass |
|
Low Divide |
9/1/23 |
8 acres |
N. Fork Quinault drainage |
|
Delabarre |
9/1/23 |
1 acre |
3 miles SE of Mount Christie |
|
Martins Lake |
9/2/23 |
.1 acres |
2 miles NE of Mount Christie |
Fire is an integral part of the forested ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Many factors such as weather, topography, and vegetation influence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on natural resources.
Olympic National Forest Fires
A full suppression response is also underway for the Tunnel Creek Fire that resulted from lightning east of the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest earlier this week. Estimated at 2 acres, the fire is smoldering on steep slopes. Rappellers, a helicopter, and a dozer are currently engaged with additional resources en route. Firefighters are working to create handline around the perimeter of the fire. Visitors are asked to avoid the area for public and firefighter safety. For additional information contact the Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (360) 956-2402.
Background Information
All six active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula.
On August 18, 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
Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will be 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
Monday was less cloudy at higher elevations but cooler temperatures and higher humidity slowed fire activity. Monday night calls for mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the upper 30s. Tuesday calls for partly sunny skies and a high of 49 degrees. Wednesday has a 30% chance of showers with a high near 50.
Depending on weather conditions, a smoke plume is visible from Highway 101 between Sequim and Port Angeles, as well as the Hurricane Ridge area.
Information for the Eagle Point Fire can be found at: Eagle Point Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)
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
Last updated: September 4, 2023