News Release

Pile Burn Operations Begin Oct. 20 in Olympic National Park

News Release Date: October 16, 2026
Contact: Public Affairs Office

PORT ANGELES, Wash. — The Olympic Interagency Fire Management Team will burn isolated debris piles in Olympic National Park beginning on Oct. 20, conditions permitting.   

The debris piles are located in the in the Mora, Hoh, Elwha, and Quinault maintenance areas of Olympic National Park. Fire crews will manage them until the fires are out. If conditions warrant, scheduled operations may be canceled. 

Smoke will be visible at times from nearby trails and roadways while the burns are in progress. Smoke can affect visibility and air quality. Current air quality information is available at https://fire.airnow.gov.  

Pile burning is a type of prescribed fire where firefighters pile and burn forest debris to reduce an area’s wildfire risk. Prescribed fire is a tool that is carefully planned and implemented by fire managers under specific weather and fuel conditions.   

The debris was generated when crews worked to contain the Mount Tom Creek Fire, reduce hazardous fuels around park infrastructure, and conduct road maintenance throughout the year. Burning woody debris is the most convenient and cost-effective method of disposal.  
 

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