Bear Gulch Fire (2025-07-08)

Bear Gulch Fire grows to 1,094 acres with 10% containment. NIMO team assumes command of nearby Hamma Fire reported yesterday evening along FS-2480 in Hamma Hamma drainage on DNR state land. Firefighters using direct attack to suppress Hamma Fire northeast of Bear Gulch Fire.

Hamma Fire reported in evening along Forest Service Road 2480 in Hamma Hamma drainage on Washington DNR state land northeast of Bear Gulch Fire. WA DNR personnel provided initial response with local support resources.

Bear Gulch Fire reaches 1,005 acres with 10% containment as fire moves deeper into Mount Skokomish Wilderness. NIMO Team continues command with no evacuation orders in effect, but north end of Lake Cushman remains restricted for aircraft operations.

National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team assumes command of Bear Gulch Fire at 799 acres, 19% containment. No evacuation orders in effect, but north end of Lake Cushman remains restricted for firefighting aircraft water operations.

Fire continues moving into Mount Skokomish Wilderness west of Mt. Rose. Crews strengthen firebreaks using Forest Service roads 2419 and 2451. Staircase area structures protected with sprinkler systems and fire wrap.

Updated Olympic National Forest area closure order expanded. Forest Road 2400 closure extended from mile post 10.5 to 14.5. Additional roads 2451, 2419, 2419-014 closed entirely. All picnic areas, trailheads and campgrounds within closure area remain inaccessible.

Bear Gulch Fire at 445 acres with 18% containment. Heavy equipment begins improving Forest Service Road 2419 as firebreak. Mount Ellinor trail system added to closure areas. Sprinkler systems installed around Staircase structures.

Campfire restrictions implemented in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Campfires only allowed in established fire rings due to dry conditions and high fire danger. Restriction effective 12 a.m. July 11th, 2025.

Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team assumes command of Bear Gulch Fire at 8:00 PM on July 8th. Fire at 328 acres burning in extremely steep rocky terrain with numerous standing dead trees from 2006 Bear Gulch Fire.

Bear Gulch Fire reaches 328 acres north of Lake Cushman. Helicopter water drops successfully limit eastern fire spread to 5 acres. No evacuation orders issued for nearby communities as crews work to protect Lake Cushman Corridor egress route.

Olympic National Forest area closure order implemented for Bear Gulch Fire area including NFS roads, trails, and recreation sites. Forest Road 2400 closed at mile marker 10.5 due to falling debris hazard. Staircase area and Lake Cushman recreation sites closed for public safety.

Human-caused Bear Gulch Fire reported at 9:42 PM near Mt. Rose Trailhead along Lake Cushman Corridor in Olympic National Forest. Fire burning on steep, rocky slope north of Lake Cushman and southeast of Staircase area in Olympic National Park.