News Release

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest Fire Update- September 9

Smoke from nearby wildfires sit in the valleys below Hurricane Ridge.

NPS Photo/R. Kunz

News Release Date: September 9, 2023

Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, Wash. – As temperatures warmed and relative humidity levels dropped, fire activity only increased a little. The Hurricane and Eagle Point fires remained mostly quiet with some smoldering and smoking. Martins Lake Fire grew by 1.5 acres to a total of 3 acres. The Low Divide Fire showed more smoke than yesterday, but growth was not significant. Firefighters continue to make contact and escort backpackers in the area.  

In the morning, smoke from the Eagle Point Fire was observed in the valleys at Hurricane Ridge. It slowly dissipated over the course of the day.  

The Delabarre and Diamond Mountain fires showed no change from yesterday and remain at the same acreage:  
 

Fire Name	Initial Report	Estimated Size as of 9/9	Location
Hurricane	8/28/23	4 acres	2,000 ft below Hurricane Ridge parking area
Eagle Point	8/28/23	70 acres	~5 miles out Obstruction Point Road
Diamond Mountain	9/1/23	25 acres	3.3 miles NE of   Anderson Pass
Low Divide	9/1/23	6 acres	2 miles SW of Low Divide
Delabarre	9/1/23	1 acre	3 miles SE of Mount Christie
Martins Lake	9/2/23	3 acres	2 miles NE of Mount Christie

 

Fire is an integral part of the forested ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Many factors such as weather, topography, and vegetation influence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on natural resources. 

Olympic National Forest Fires 

The Tunnel Creek Fire, located east of the Buckhorn Wilderness in the Olympic National Forest, is now 100% contained. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area. This will be the last update on the fire unless significant changes occur. For additional information, please contact the Olympic National Forest Supervisor’s Office at [phone].  

Background Information 

All six active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula. 

On August 18, Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest implemented a fire ban including charcoal fires. The move to Stage 2 fire restrictions is due to continued hot and dry conditions that are forecasted to continue at least through the end of October as dry conditions in the region persist. One less spark means one less wildfire.  

Closures  

Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will be closed until further notice. Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by this closure. Any permit holders who plan to backpack via the Obstruction Point Trailhead should contact the WIC at 360-565-3100 or https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm.    

Weather and Fire Behavior 

The upper-level ridge over the area today will move east tonight. A weakening frontal system will pass over the site late Sunday bringing cooler temperatures and the chance for showers. Continued seasonal conditions expected through at least the middle of next week. A return to warmer and drier conditions is expected late next week.
 

Information for the Eagle Point Fire can be found at: Eagle Point Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov) 

Information for the Hurricane Fire can be found at: Hurricane Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov) 

Olympic National Park information: www.nps.gov/olym  
Olympic National Forest information: www.fs.usda.gov/olympic 
State and county area burn bans: www.waburnbans.net   

--NPS--