News Release

Olympic Interagency Fire crews locate one wildland fire in Olympic National Park; Olympic National Forest will share update on August 21

Date: August 20, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office

Port Angeles, Wash.—Interagency fire crews identified a 2.5 acre wildfire caused by last weekend’s lightning storm on Maiden Peak in Olympic National Park. There have been no changes to the fires reported on Olympic National Forest. The Forest will issue a separate update on fires within their jurisdiction tomorrow morning, August 21, 2024. No structures or trails are threatened and there are no new evacuations or closures.

The Maiden Fire burned mostly in the forest canopy on the northwest side of Maiden Peak. Some smoldering was seen in debris on the ground. The area was exposed to rain over the last 24 hours and more precipitation is expected in the coming days. As a result, the next update will be published as soon as crews can confirm the fire is either extinguished or has survived the rain.

Interagency fire crews will continue to survey both national forest and national park land throughout the week.

Call 911 to report smoke or new wildfires.

On August 18, 2024, lightning struck several areas in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Smoke reports were received immediately following the lightning storm.

Prior to this weekend’s lightning storm, a sustained drought created dangerous fire conditions across the Olympic Peninsula. In such dry periods, living and non-living vegetation can quickly ignite. As a result, Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources implemented a complete campfire ban.

Everyone can support the fire crews and reduce the risk of starting new wildfires by following the latest fire restrictions and learning about fire preparedness. To learn more about closures on national park, national forest, and state conservation land, check each agency’s website.

For information about fire preparedness and nationwide fire response, visit: Welcome to the Nation's Logistical Support Center | National Interagency Fire Center (nifc.gov)

For updates on the 2620 Fire that started near Brinnon, Washington on August 14, visit: Waolc 2620 Road Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

For updated fire information about Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park, visit:

Olympic National Park
www.nps.gov/olym 

Olympic National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/olympic