Submitted by Public Information Team
Estimated size: 1,275 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: Aviation resources have been active supporting the Hamma and Bear Gulch Fires as warm weather and higher temperatures increase fire activity. Water drops are being used as weather conditions allow on spot fires close to values at risk and on areas where trees and other vegetation are open enough for water to reach burning materials on the ground.
Yesterday, helicopters carrying buckets of water from Lake Cushman cooled down hot spots of burning material to help limit eastward spread of the Bear Gulch Fire. A helicopter with snorkels pulled water from the Hamma Hamma River to drop on the Hamma Fire. Amphibious fixed wing water scooper aircraft are also being used. They skim the surface of a body of water, scoop water into an onboard tank, and drop it on the fire.
Hamma Fire: The Hamma Fire is 57 acres and 0% contained. It is burning along FS-2480 in the Hamma Hamma drainage on Washington Department of Natural Resources state land. Yesterday firefighters completed fireline around the fire. Firefighters will be using hoselays, or connected lengths of hose extended from a water source, to mop-up hotspots by extinguishing sources of heat near the control line. This is important to help ensure pockets of heat are out cold in logs, roots, and the deep duff layer of decomposing organic debris (leaves, needles, twigs, bark, etc.) on the forest floor.
Bear Gulch Fire: The Bear Gulch Fire is still backing towards the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. Firefighters installed a hoselay along the North Fork Skokomish River Trail to protect structures and infrastructure. They are installing additional sprinklers near the suspension bridge, which has been protectively wrapped. 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 constructing indirect fireline along roads and trails including reducing fuels on the FS-2419 Road to prevent the spread of the fire east toward Lake Cushman Mt. Rose Village.
Fire Behavior: The Bear Gulch Fire is expected to be more active with warmer and drier conditions. Due to the fire’s spread into steep, rugged terrain, the heavy fuels it’s burning in, and extremely dry conditions, the fire will continue to burn into the Daniel J. Evans and Mount Skokomish Wilderness areas until it is extinguished by repeated rain and snow in the fall. It is expected to vary in intensity, spread and duration with fire activity, fuels, and weather.
Weather: Warm and dry conditions continue with 78° to 84° temperatures and 40-50% humidity. Terrain driven winds 3-6 mph, with gusts to 15 mph are expected during the day.
Smoke Outlook: Air quality can change quickly. Know your risk to wildfire smoke and plan ahead to reduce exposure.For current smoke reports on the fire, please visit here.
Lake Usage: Keep the north end of Lake Cushman clear from boating and other recreational uses. If aircraft approach the lake, give them space for dipping water for fire suppression.
Olympic National Forest Closures: USDA, Forest Service, Olympic National Forest Order No. 06-09-25-04 for the Bear Gulch Fire is in effect; Order No. 06-09-25-05 for the Hamma Fire is anticipated. These closures include most of the FS-24 road system, the Upper and Lower Mt. Ellinor trail system, Jefferson Ridge, Jefferson Lake and Elk Lake Trails.Big Creek Campground remains open. For more information on closures and fire restrictions, visit here.
Olympic National Park Closures: Staircase Trailheads and Campground; North Fork 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: There are no evacuations in effect. Sign up for Mason County Emergency Alerts here.
Air Space Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Bear Gulch and Hamma Fires. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. Learn more here.
