Submitted by Olympic National Forest
On July 6, a human-caused fire was reported in Olympic National Forest near the Mt. Rose Trailhead along the Lake Cushman Corridor. The fire – named the Bear Gulch Fire – is burning on a steep, rocky slope north of Lake Cushman and southeast of the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. The fire is approximately 200 acres. There is no current threat to structures or nearby communities.
Due to the steep and rocky terrain, aviation resources offer the safest and most effective method for fighting the fire. Scoopers have been responding using water from Lake Cushman which has mitigated spread. Four interagency engines are responding to accessible areas near FS-24 and the lower ends of the fire. Tomorrow additional crews will arrive to provide more support.
The following recreation sites are inaccessible:
- Staircase Area and Campground (in Olympic National Park)
- Bear Gulch Day Use Area
- Mt. Rose Trailhead
- Dry Creek Trailhead
- Copper Creek Trailhead
Public and firefighter safety remains our top priority. To support this effort visitors are being asked to avoid the Lake Cushman/Staircase area.
For updates regarding the Bear Gulch Fire, visit the Olympic National Forest website and follow @olympicforest on social media.
