Submitted by Public Information Team
Estimated size: 5,136 acres
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: Rain fell over the fire yesterday and moderated fire behavior resulting in minimal perimeter growth. Helicopters were grounded due to limited visibility from rain and clouds, but operations are expected to resume today. Structure protection continues around the Copper and Dry Creek in-holdings. Hose and sprinkler kit deployment resumed to protect boat-in residences along Lake Cushman and will continue today. In the Staircase area of Olympic National Park, crews will run pumps and maintain sprinklers for structure and resource protection. Firefighters and natural resource specialists removed surface fuels and installed sprinklers around old growth Douglas Fir trees that serve as important bird habitat. South of the fire on the Olympic National Forest, crews dropped dead trees and masticated them to protect structures and values at Lebar Horse Camp and Brown Creek Campground. Mastication work and hand line improvement continue southeast of the fire. Snagging on State Route 119 is completed.
Fire Behavior: Significant rain led to minimal fire perimeter growth. Heavy dead and down trees under the dense forest canopy continue to burn with relatively high intensity. A drying trend will begin this afternoon. Rolling and falling material on slopes will be an ongoing occurrence.
Weather: A front moved across the fire yesterday bringing widespread wetting rains between 0.35 and 0.45 inches. Rain showers will wane today. Hot and dry weather is expected over the weekend and early next week.
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: The southern half of the lake is open to recreation. The north half of the lake is closed to support 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: There are many road, trail, and campground closures in the southeast portion of the Forest. For more information on closures and fire restrictions, visit here.
Olympic National Park Closures: There are extensive closures on the southeast corner of Olympic National Park. 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.
Fire Investigation: Olympic National Forest is seeking tips for how the fire started on July 6. Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact the Forest Service Tipline by phone at 541-618-2154 or by email at SM.FS.R6TipHotLine@usda.gov. Tips submitted via email should have the subject, “Bear Gulch.” Learn more here.
Recreation Opportunities: Many recreation areas remain open. Learn more on the Explore Hood Canal website.
