News Release

East Beach Road Fire Update August 5, 2020

Hazard trees on steep terrain pose a danger to firefighters. Duff and debris in the understory of the fire footprint continue to smolder and creep.

News Release Date: August 5, 2020

Contact: Fire Information Line, 360-565-2986 (7am-10pm)

East Beach Road Fire Status:

Acres Burned: 84 acres
Cause: Human Caused
Engines: 2
Tenders: 0
Helicopters: 0 assigned but available locally
Hand Crews: 3
Heavy Equipment: 0
Fallers: 2
Containment: 65%
Total personnel: 84

Incident Summary: On Wednesday, July 29 at 4 pm a wildfire was discovered just north of East Beach Road near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. The East Beach Road Fire was first reported to Olympic National Park Fire Management. The fire continues to smolder on a south facing slope in steep heavy timber with shrub understory acting as the main fuel. Smoke may be visible in the weeks to come as the fire continues to smolder and creep in areas too hazardous for fire personnel to work in. The fire is suspected of being human-ignited and the cause and origin are still under investigation.

Current Situation: Fire operations begin right sizing as fire containment progresses. Hazard trees and rolling debris within the fire footprint pose a danger to motorists traveling along East Beach Road. As a result, a hard closure is implemented for East Beach Road (see details below). Firefighters continue extinguishing hot spots and are cautiously and deliberately identifying snags and hazards within the fire footprint to mitigate potential road damage from rolling debris. Anticipate ongoing smoke in the Lake Crescent and surrounding areas as the fire continues to smolder within the forest understory.

Road Closures: Due to this hazardous situation, East Beach Road is closed to visitor traffic at the Hwy 101 intersection. Log Cabin Resort is still operating and can be accessed via Hwy 112 to Joyce-Piedmont Rd. All day use recreation sites along East Beach Road in Olympic National Park are closed. Local residents can access property up to 2 miles west of Hwy 101 or from Log Cabin Resort up to the hard closure.
Cooperating Agencies: Olympic National Park, Department of Natural Resources Olympic Region, Olympic Interagency Fire Management, Clallam County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Services.