Port Angeles, WA - The lightning caused fire burning in the Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic National Park continued to burn overnight. The fire had rolling debris late this afternoon that ignited fire below the main body of the fire. As a result of this the fire found more receptive fuels and grew to about 3 acres. The Hurricane fire is located in steep, rugged terrain with dry and receptive fuel beds. Other challenges firefighters face includes falling rocks and rolling debris. Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority on the Hurricane Fire.
The fire is under a full suppression strategy and is currently being worked by a Type 2 Initial attack hand crew, a Type 2 helicopter, a contracted tender, and Olympic Fire Program staff. The new addition of aerial resources today is a welcomed asset, however there were limited opportunities to fly due to cloud cover and poor visibility.
The Hurricane fire was ignited on the afternoon of Aug. 28, 2023 when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula. There are currently 30 personnel assisting with suppression efforts.
A reconnaissance flight is planned in the coming days to determine if there are any additional fire starts as a result of the recent lighting strikes on the Olympic Peninsula.
The nearby Eagle Point fire in the Obstruction Point area is approximately 1 acre in size. Crews are monitoring this fire for any potential fire growth or impacts to the Obstruction Point Road.
On Aug. 18, 2023 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.
Closures
The Hurricane Ridge Road is closed just past the Heart of the Hills entrance station for firefighter and public safety. Fire staff and park management are reviewing this closure daily. Visitors can still access the Heart of the Hills Campground. For updates on road status and weather conditions please call 360-565-3131 or visit on the web at www.nps.gov/olym.
Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will remain closed until further notice. Olympic National Park Wilderness 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 360-5665-3100 or https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Today’s weather calls for mostly cloudy skies and diminishing showers with normal temperatures between 50 - 55 degrees. A system expected on Thursday will bring another round of widespread rain/showers Thursday and Thursday evening. A warming and drying trend is expected to follow Friday and into the weekend.
Smoke from the Hurricane and Eagle Point Fires may be visible depending on weather conditions.
Information for the Hurricane Fire can be found at: Waolp Hurricane Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)
National Interagency Fire Center: https://www.nifc.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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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service