Submitted by Public Information Team
Estimated size: 3,055 acres acres based on overnight infrared mapping
Containment: 3%
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)
Firefighters Providing Structure Protection Around the Clock
Update: Last night an interagency hotshot crew conducted firing operations to help protect structures in the Staircase area. They used low intensity fire on the ground to burn out between the structures and the main body of the fire, taking advantage of cooler overnight temperatures and higher humidity. This is a helpful tactic for starving the fire of fuel to help protect structures from higher intensity fire activity during the peak burning period of the day.
Firefighters are setting up sprinkler systems and clearing vegetation to help protect Copper Creek structures. Crews are also reducing fuels along existing roads and trails to help protect Lake Cushman Mt. Rose Village and active timber sales. Aircraft were unable to fly yesterday due to limited visibility because of smoke. Firefighters plan to use helicopters for bucket drops today when the smoke lifts and visibility clears.
Hamma Fire: The Hamma Fire is 66 acres and 60% contained. It is located along FS-2480 in the Hamma Hamma drainage on Washington Department of Natural Resources state land. The fire has been completely lined, and firefighters are mopping up. Due to record dry fuels, this is expected to take more effort and time than usual to ensure that all pockets of heat are out cold.
Fire Behavior: Active fire is expected today, increasing when the inversion lifts mid-day. 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 light winds.
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 Closure: Together with Mason County Sheriff, Tacoma Public Utilities has closed Lake Cushman to public use in support of the Bear
Gulch suppression and evacuation efforts.
Fire Restrictions: All campfires will be prohibited in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park starting at 12 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025. All outdoor burning is currently prohibited in Mason County.
Olympic National Forest Closures: Most of the FS-24 road system is closed. The Upper and Lower Mt. Ellinor trail system, Jefferson Ridge, Jefferson Lake and Elk Lake trails are closed. For more information on closures and fire restrictions, visit here.
Olympic National Park Closures: The North Fork Skokomish drainage and Staircase trailheads and campground are closed. For more info on closures and fire restrictions visit here.
Evacuation Levels: 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.
How You Can Help: Our wildland fire crews are well-equipped and cared for. Creating defensible space around your home is the BEST thing you can do to help firefighters. Learn how here. Banners and signs boosting morale are also appreciated. Please confirm needs by contacting organizations of your choice before donating physical items.
