Submitted by Public Information Team
Estimated size: 1,094 acres based on overnight infrared mapping
Containment: 10%
Start Date/Time: 07/06/2025 9:42 PM
Area of Origin: North side of Lake Cushman near Mount Rose in Olympic National Forest, Hoodsport, WA
Cause: Human-caused
Structures Damaged: 0
Update: The incident management team managing the Bear Gulch Fire has assumed command of the nearby Hamma Fire. Firefighters are using direct attack to suppress the Hamma Fire.
The Hamma Fire was reported yesterday evening, along FS-2480 in the Hamma Hamma drainage on Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR) state land. WA DNR personnel provided initial response in cooperation with local support resources. It is located northeast of the Bear Gulch Fire. Today firefighters are working to establish an anchor point and keep the fire south and west of FS-2480 and south of FS-2441. To support firefighter efforts and safety the public is being asked to avoid the area. Helicopter activity may be visible.
The Bear Gulch Fire has been backing towards the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. Sprinklers are in place and structures and infrastructure in the area have been prepared with protective structural wrap. Firefighters are working around the clock to protect natural resources, and historic and critical infrastructure should rolling fire debris encroach upon the area.
Firefighters are preparing FS-2451 to become a potential control line to protect the Copper Creek Community on the southwest side of Lake Cushman. Crews are reducing fuels on the Mt Ellinor Trail and FS-2419 Road. Firefighters are also constructing indirect fireline along roads and trails to prevent the spread of the fire east toward Big Creek Campground, Lake Cushman Mt. Rose Village, the community of Hoodsport and Highway 101.
Fire Behavior: The Bear Gulch Fire continues to burn in the Skokomish Wilderness and Olympic National Park. The surface fire is active during the warmest part of the day primarily creeping and smoldering with isolated torching and short-range spotting.
Weather: Warmer and slightly drier weather is expected to continue for the next few days.
Smoke Outlook: Smoke may be more visible in the afternoon as the temperature rises and humidity falls. Locations in the immediate vicinity of the fires should expect intermittent periods of smoke. For current smoke reports on the fire, please visit here.
Lake Usage: When weather allows, aircraft will use the north end of Lake Cushman for dipping water for fire suppression. Please keep the north end of the lake clear from boating and other recreational uses. If aircraft approach the lake, give them space for firefighting operations.
Olympic National Forest Closures: USDA, Forest Service, Olympic National Forest Order No. 06-09-25-04 for the Bear Gulch area is in effect. FS-24 is closed at mile marker 10.5, at the junction of N. Mount Church Drive and FS-24. This closure on FS-24 includes access to day use, trailheads and other sites beyond the closure point. FS-2419 is closed at the intersection of FS-2419 and FS-24 with barricades in place. This includes the Upper and Lower Mt. Ellinor trail system. The Upper Big Creek Loop, leaving from Big Creek Campground is closed. Big Creek Campground remains open. For more information on closures and fire restrictions, visit here.
Olympic National Park Closures: Staircase Trailheads and Campground; Northfork Skokomish River Trail from Staircase to Flapjack Lakes Trail junction; Wagonwheel Lake Trail; Shady Lane Trail; Four Stream Trail; Slide Camp and Wagonwheel Lake wilderness campsites. For more info on closures and fire restrictions visit here.
Evacuation Levels: While there are no evacuation orders currently in effect, below is a reminder of how to prepare for an evacuation incident:
Level 1 – READY: Prepare a go kit for you, family, animals. Clear areas around your home in advance. Know your escape routes. Sign up for Mason County Emergency Alerts.
Level 2 – SET: Have your go kit on hand and ready. Ensure you, your family, and animals are ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Level 3 – GO: Grab your go kit. Load your family and animals and leave.
Air Space Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire. Any unaccounted-for aircraft, including drones, puts aerial firefighting resources and lives at risk. If you fly, we can’t. All firefighting aircraft must be grounded if unmanned aircraft or drones are operating near the fire.
