SIT REP 4: August 4, 2025, Monday

The BEAR GULCH FIRE continues to burn long after it started almost one month ago, after it was reported to have broken out in the Olympic National Forest near the Mt. Rose Trailhead and along the Lake Customan Corridor.

It continues to spread on a steep, rocky slope on the north side of Lake Custhman and southeast of the Staircase area of Olympic National Park.

Today, the fire has burned approximately 4,760 acres and has a 3% containment status. Fire behavior remains active with short crown runs, flanking, and backing.

Evacuations are in effect. Check out updates via Inciweb. https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waolf-bear-gulch-fire

There is a total of 443 personnel.

CTD: 10.8 Million Dollars.

SIT REP 3: July 20, 2025, Sunday

Photo Credit: Bear Gulch Fire 2025

INCIDENT SUMMARY

Location: A wildfire named the BEAR GULCH (Incident #WA-OLF-000178) is burning about 10 miles northwest of Hoodsport in the Olympic National Forest near Mt. Rose Railhead along the Lake Cushman Trail, in Washington State (USA).

The human-caused fire broke out on July 6, 2025, at 2142 hours PT.

Current Size Up: There have been 652 acres of timber litter and understory, and steep terrain. The fire still remains at a 19% containment status. The scheduled date for containment is October 1, 2025.

Fire Behavior: Active fire behavior has been observed with isolated torching.

The USFS Operational Update: “When the cloud layer lifts, smoke will continue to be visible as the fire progresses further into heavy timber and the Mount Skokomish Wilderness. Operations remain focused on continuing to safely implement critical objectives and finishing up primary control lines.

These critical objectives include completing work on the east side fire breaks established on Forest Roads 24, 2419, and 2451, and trails in the Mount Ellinor and Big Creek area. Strengthening these lines is done by utilizing heavy equipment and hand crews to reduce and remove fuels.

As the fire remains active and visibility improves, a Type 1 helicopter will continue dropping water on the fire to cool and slow its progress towards the National Park.

Crews will keep working to prep and secure the Staircase area with sprinkler kits and fire protective wrap on structures.

The fire is burning in extremely steep terrain, which rises 3500 ft from the lakeshore to the top of Mt. Rose and on to Copper Mountain. Firefighter and public safety are our number one priority.

These steep conditions limit the ability of work being done on the hillside by hand crews due to rolling debris, falling trees, and difficult access.”

Damage Assessment: 0 structure loss or reported as damaged. Cost-to-Date: 3.8 Million Dollars.

EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT

Evacuation updates: https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/fire_info.php

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Resources: 162 personnel, four crews, one helicopter, and six engines.

Lead Fire Agency: USDA Forest Service.

Aviation Assets: Fire Suppression Aircraft is currently and will continue to dip (draft water) out of the north end of Lake Cushman. BOATERS AND REC USERS SHOULD AVOID THIS AREA. | Photo Credit: Inciweb

FAA: There is a current Temporary Flight Restriction or TFR in effect. This is to protect the lives of firefighters both in the air and on the ground and stop the incursion of drones and aircraft in the airspace around the wildfire.

(c) 2025 NW FIRE BLOG