Submitted by Public Information Team
Estimated size: 1,989 acres based on overnight infrared mapping
Containment: 8%
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
Fire Information Phone: 360.732.1813 (7 am – 7pm; voice only; texts will not be received)
Update: Yesterday the Bear Gulch fire spotted across the North Fork Skokomish River. The fire made active crown runs upslope through the tree canopy. The increase in fire activity was due to warm, dry conditions, heavy fuels, and location on steep slopes. Crown runs with fire spreading through the tree canopy and long-range spotting are expected again today. The fire is most active in the afternoon and evening when relative humidity is low, temperatures rise, and winds increase.
Firefighters are strengthening FS-2451 to use as a fireline to help protect the Copper Creek and Cushman Ridge communities on the southwest side of Lake Cushman. The Bear Gulch Fire previously backed down to the northeast side of the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. Firefighters continue to utilize hoselay around the Staircase campground and are adding additional sprinklers around structures and infrastructure. Firefighters previously wrapped approximately ten structures in the Staircase area to provide a thermal barrier between the structure and approaching flames. Crews are also reducing fuels on the FS-2419 Road to prevent the spread of the fire east toward Lake Cushman Mt. Rose Village. Firefighters are using a range of intelligence technologies like live camera feeds, infrared drones and remote automated weather stations to provide firefighters with the best fire behavior and weather forecasts to improve our probability of success. Firefighter and public safety are always the highest priority.
Hamma Fire: The Hamma Fire is 66 acres and 0% contained. It is located along FS-2480 in the Hamma Hamma drainage on Washington Department of Natural Resources state land. The fire is completely lined and firefighters are mopping up, removing remaining heat along the fire’s perimeter. 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, which is record dry.
Fire Behavior: The Bear Gulch Fire is expected to be more active today 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 to 50% humidity. Terrain driven winds 3 to 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. 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: Due to increased fire activity, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation update. The Bear Gulch Fire area near Dry Creek Trail is in a Level 3 “GO” evacuation. This includes the Staircase Campground and areas across the causeway on the north side of Lake Cushman. The area south of Dry Creek has a Level 1 “READY” evacuation notice. Follow Mason County Sheriff on Facebook for current evacuation information.
Level 1 – READY: Prepare a go kit for you, family, and animals. Clear areas around your home in advance. Know your escape routes. Sign up for Mason County Emergency Alerts here.
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: 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.
