News Release

Olympic Interagency Fire crews survey for potential wildland fires after lightning moves through area

Date: August 18, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office

Port Angeles, Wash. - On August 17, 2024, lightning struck several areas in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Smoke and a handful of fires were observed immediately following the lightning storm. Interagency fire crews are currently assessing fire activity after rain fell across the Olympic Peninsula. Crews will safely and appropriately respond to confirmed wildfires.  

Fire crews will conduct reconnaissance flights as soon as weather conditions allow. At this time there are no additional closures or threatened structures due to these lightning fires. 

Call 911 to report smoke or new wildfires.  

“During fire season, it’s important to check current conditions, have good situational awareness, and be adaptable - change your plans as conditions change.” said Deputy Fire Management Officer Ty Crowe. “The National Interagency Fire Center has great information on how to prepare for any wildland fire situation.” 

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.  

Weather Outlook 

 A strong upper-level low will persist through Sunday, increasing the chance of showers and thunderstorms. Spotty rain will continue to fall across the Olympic Peninsula through Wednesday. Most of the activity will occur on the western side of the Peninsula.  

The next update will be posted on Monday, August 19, 2024.  
 

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 Road Fire that started near Brinnon, Washington on August 14, visit: Waolc 2620 Road Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov). Reach out to the incident team via email at [e-mail] or call 360-323-1903. 

For updated 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