News Release

East Beach Road Fire Update August 7, 2020

Firefighters cautiously monitor smoldering understory in steep terrain. Minimal fire activity may continue within the forest floor until autumn months provide substantial rainfall.

News Release Date: August 7, 2020

Contact: Fire Information Line, 360-565-2986

East Beach Road Fire Status

Acres Burned: 84 acres
Cause: Human Caused
Engines: 1
Tenders: 0
Helicopters: 0 assigned but available locally
Hand Crews: 1
Heavy Equipment: 0
Fallers: 0
Containment: 83%
Total personnel: 39

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. The fire is suspected of being human-ignited and the cause and origin are still under investigation.

Current Situation: Recent rain brought 0.2 inches of precipitation to the fire area; however, the minimal rainfall did not extinguish the fire. Even with wetter weather, the East Beach Road Fire has potential to smolder and creep in heavy accumulations of downed logs, underground root systems, and forest debris. Occasional smoke at Lake Crescent and the surrounding area will most likely continue until heavy rainfall in autumn months. Flames may be visible after sundown as fire activity becomes more noticeable in the night sky. Fire officials will continue to monitor fire behavior and provide updates as needed if the situation changes. Expect a reduction in daily updates as fire activity diminishes.

Road Closures: Due to the 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.