Submitted by Public Information Team
Estimated size: 3,922 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)
Update: Firefighters continue round the clock structure protection. Firefighters continually evaluate risk in their decision making. Vegetation is especially dry. Hanging moss is carrying fire through tree canopy and lofting embers that start spot fires. It is challenging to suppress spotfires when embers and burning branches are actively falling from tall treetops above. Firefighters try to avoid working directly under hazard trees that can fall on them. It is also problematic when trees fall across trails being used as potential firelines. Both burning trees and green trees have been falling regularly in the area due to fire weakened soils. Firefighters are fully suppressing spot fires in the area where it is safe to do so.
Firefighters are taking advantage of the fact that the Staircase area of Olympic National Park and the Copper Creek community are on flatter ground and more accessible than the extreme steep slopes that surround them. They can fight fire more effectively in these areas. The work they can do in these areas in advance of the fire helps make them more defensible. Firefighters are reducing fuels around structures in the Cooper Creek area using hand tools. They are installing sprinkler systems and setting up hoses. On the east side of the fire, firefighters are strengthening existing roads and trails to help protect Lake Cushman Mt. Rose Village. Helicopters are dropping water to help cool pockets of heat when the skies are clear.
Hamma Fire: The Hamma Fire is 66 acres and 80% 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 to ensure that all pockets of heat are out cold. This will be the last daily report on the Hamma Fire unless fire activity increases.
Fire Behavior: Active fire is expected today, increasing when the inversion lifts mid-day and into the evening. 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.
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. 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: 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: 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 2 “BE SET”
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.
