• Estimated size: 444 acres

• Containment: 0%

• 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: Crews continue to work along NF Road 2400 removing brush, hazardous trees, logs and snags . to ensure safe access and egress for responders. Firefighters working around the Staircase Ranger Station continue to prep areas around structures and improve fire breaks. They have placed sprinklers in strategic positions due to proximity of the fire. Crews continue patrolling Divisions 2, 3, and 4 and other areas along the lower edge of the fire. Additional resources have been ordered to enhance our ability to protect values at risk.

Falling or rolling debris from the fire area, including large boulders and trees continue to pose a serious hazard to anyone on NF Road 2400 (also known as FS-24, Road 119 and N Lake Cushman Road). This ongoing threat presents significant safety concerns. NF Road 2400 is closed at mile marker 10.5, at the junction of N Mount Church DR. and NF road 2400. This closure on NF Road 2400 includes access to day use, trailheads and other sites beyond the closure point. Access to Divisions 2, 3, and 4 remain open. Other recreation sites continue to be evaluated for the potential of future closure based on changing fire conditions and operations.

Dry, hot conditions and fire danger remain high. There are several interagency resources dedicated to working active incidents. Campfires in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest are restricted to established fire rings.

Lake Usage:

We will continue to use the North end of Lake Cushman for dipping water to use for fire suppression. Please continue to keep the north end of the lake clear from boating and other recreational uses.

Weather and Fire Behavior: There is a heat advisory in effect from July 15, 12:00 PM through July 16, 2025, 10:00 PM. Today will be sunny with a high near 79 with south southwest wind 5-9 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, lows around 54 with north northeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm during evening hours. Tuesday will be sunny with highs near 89, light northeast wind increasing to 5-10 mph then lows in the evening around 60.

Smoke: Smoke impacts have been minimal thanks to the cooler weather over the last couple of days. With warmer weather starting today, communities near the fire such as Hoodsport, Potlatch, and Skokomish should expect intermittent periods of smoke.

Air Space Restrictions: There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire. Any unaccounted-for aircraft, including drones, puts aerial firefighting resources and lives at risk. If you fly, we can't.  All firefighting aircraft must be grounded if unmanned aircraft or drones are operating near the fire.

More information available here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/alerts/bear-gulch-fire-area-closure