Editor's note: This has been corrected to say Washington in the first paragraph.
A wildfire burning in Olympic National Park made a massive jump in size and fire officials say it won't be completely extinguished until Washington's wet season kicks in.
The Bear Gulch Fire is estimated to have burned more than 3,000 acres, or about 4.5 miles, in the park and adjacent lands as of Thursday afternoon. A week ago, the fire size was estimated at 923 acres. Officials say the growth this week was fueled by warm, dry weather.
"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," an update Thursday afternoon noted. "It is expected to vary in intensity, spread and duration with fire activity, fuels, and weather."
Raven Reese, a public information officer assigned to the fire, said the management strategy isn't unusual in dense forest and challenging terrain.
“We can’t really in certain areas get the firefighters in there," Reese said in a phone call Thursday afternoon.
Instead, she said, crews are putting most of their focus where structures and people could potentially be in danger.
The blaze started over the July Fourth weekend and is blamed on human activity. The park's Staircase Area trailheads and campground have been closed ever since. Access to nearby Cushman Lake is also restricted.
Starting Friday, campfires will be banned in all areas of the park. The move is a normal seasonal change that typically happens in July or August when the wildfire danger ramps up.
The Bear Gulch fire is one of several burning in or near national parks in the West. The Dragon Bravo fire on the Grand Canyon's North Rim is the most destructive, scorching more than 150-square miles of land and destroying dozens of historic park structures.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
