OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST, Wash. — Cooler temperatures and increased humidity have helped moderate the growth of the Bear Gulch Fire on the east side of the Peninsula, but the blaze continues to pose a significant threat to structures and natural landmarks.
As of Aug. 4, the fire has burned 4,936 acres and is only 3% contained.
PREVIOUS UPDATE | Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn, popular Staircase Campground under evacuation
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, fire managers are focusing their efforts on protecting structures in the Copper Creek drainage, where firefighters are engaged in both day and night operations.
East of the fire, crews are working along the 2419 road system to remove roadside brush and debris, creating a more defendable line should the fire advance in that direction.
In the Staircase area within Olympic National Park, fire personnel are using sprinkler systems, hose-lays, pumps, and brush clearing to protect structures.
Crews successfully safeguarded the estimated 1,000-year-old Big Cedar Tree near the Staircase campground.
South of the fire, west of the lake, firefighters are enhancing natural holding features to protect structures, timber, and other critical values. Helicopters are being deployed to cool fire edges with water drops when weather conditions and smoke levels permit safe and effective operations.
Despite the increased humidity, fire behavior remains a concern. Surface fire spread is anticipated, with minimal isolated torching and shorter spotting distances.
The fire is expected to persist until extinguished by rain and snow in the fall due to extremely dry conditions and steep terrain with heavy fuel loads.
Cloudy conditions are forecast to continue, with a chance of rain from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday evening. Temperatures are expected to remain cooler, in the 60s, with relative humidity dropping to 60 percent today.
In response to the fire, Lake Cushman has been closed to public use by Tacoma Public Utilities and the Mason County Sheriff to support suppression and evacuation efforts.
Evacuation orders remain in place, with the Bear Gulch Fire area near Dry Creek Trail under a Level 3 “GO” evacuation order. This includes the Staircase Campground and areas across the causeway on the north side of Lake Cushman.
The area south of Dry Creek is under a Level 2 “BE SET” evacuation notice. Residents are advised to contact the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for additional evacuation information.
