News Release

Olympic National Park Fire Update- September 10

Date: September 10, 2023
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, Wash. – Fire activity increased today and all six fires are burning in designated wilderness. The Eagle Point Fire showed moderate fire activity. Flames burning single trees and groups of trees related to the Eagle Point Fire could be observed from the Hurricane Ridge area. The fire grew but a more accurate acreage will be known after infrared mapping flights take place. Fire crews continued to monitor the fire and apply a confine and contain strategy to help limit the amount of fire activity north of Obstruction Point Road. High winds were blowing smoke to the north, and it could be visible from Highway 101 between Sequim and Port Angeles. At night, flames may be seen burning on the north side of the ridge above Obstruction Point Road.  

The Low Divide Fire had increased activity and reached the Skyline Trail to the north. The Skyline Trail is now closed between the top of the Elip Creek Connector Trail and Low Divide until further notice. This closure affects 20 miles of the Skyline Trail and includes both Three Prune and Lake Beauty wilderness campsites. More accurate acreage of the Low Divide Fire will be known after infrared mapping flights take place. Firefighters will continue making contact with any hiking parties in the area.  

The Martins Lake Fire had increased activity and the Martins Park Trail is now closed.  

The Hurricane Fire was wind tested today but remained quiet. It is 90% contained and remains at 4 acres.  

The Delabarre and Diamond Mountain fires showed no activity and remain at the same acreage:  

Fire Name	Initial Report	Estimated Size as of 9/10	Location
Hurricane	8/28/23	4 acres	2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area
Eagle Point	8/28/23	75 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	6 acres	2 miles SW of Low Divide
Delabarre	9/1/23	1 acre	3 miles SE of Mount Christie
Martins Lake	9/2/23	3 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. 

Background Information 

All six active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula in the afternoon on August 28. 

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. One less spark means one less wildfire.  

Closures   

The Skyline Trail is closed between the top of the Elip Creek Connector trail and Low Divide until further notice. This closure affects 20 miles of the Skyline Trail and includes both Three Prune and Lake Beauty wilderness campsites.  

Due to the recent growth of the Martins Lake Fire and its proximity to trails, the Martins Park Trail is closed. 

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 
Upper-level ridge will push east today ahead of an approaching weak frontal system. This feature is slated to bring cooler temperatures and a slight chance of light rain showers during the evening. An additional weak disturbance is in line to arrive Monday night into Tuesday with more slight shower chances.
  

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) 

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  

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