Bear Gulch Fire Forces Level-3 Evacuations

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13 hours ago

A human-caused blaze that ignited near Lake Cushman on July 6 has grown into the Bear Gulch Fire, now estimated at approximately 4,500 acres with 3 percent containment as of Aug. 2. Washington State Patrol approved full resource mobilization as crews rushed to contain the blaze in one of the Pacific Northwest's busiest recreation corridors.
'Go Now' Orders and a Moving Fire Line
The Mason County Sheriff's Office announced several Level 3 evacuation orders on July 31, covering the Dry Creek Trail area, Staircase Campground, and areas north of Lake Cushman. In their evacuation update, they warn, "Level 3 'GO' means: Evacuate Immediately. There is immediate danger—leave the area without delay."
In addition to the Level 3 zones, they placed the area south of Dry Creek Trail under a Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation notice on Aug. 1. Authorities say, "Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice. Ensure your emergency kit, important documents, medications, and pets are ready. Stay informed through official updates and alerts."
The Latest Firefighting Updates
Authorities announced on Aug. 2 that "Cooler temperatures and higher humidities have moderated fire activity, however heavy, dry fuels are anticipated to contribute to fire growth on the west and southwestern flank of the fire today."
In terms of the strategy, "Fire personnel are using the best available tools to contain this fire and will continue to install sprinkler systems around cabins and structures to wet down land west and south of the fire." Luckily, no structures have been affected by the blaze so far.
As part of the operation, "crews may use fire to remove excess fuel (duff, and branches and small trees) between structures in the Copper Creek drainage. Northwest of the fire, crews are looking for natural features that can be used to stop the fire's northward progression and protect cultural and recreational values in Olympic National Park." Common but effective firefighting techniques that should help personnel get a handle on the little uncontained blaze.
As part of the effort, firefighters are utilizing some of their bigger tools. "On the southern portion of Lake Cushman, crews are using boats to gain access to more remote sections to protect values at risk. Three helicopters are assigned to the fire to conduct bucket drops."
Potential for Smoky Skies
With fire comes smoke, which can be unhealthy or even hazardous if not taken seriously. The Washington Smoke Blog, which works with government and local officials to assess air quality and has real-time air quality updates.
The Olympic National Park air-quality index (AQI) is at a "Good' rating. However, the good status can change anytime, so check before making any outdoor plans in the area. On July 31, the AQI was set to unhealthy as a result of the fires.
Stay Smart, Stay Flexible
Fire seasons are changing, and it is important to change with them. In a statement, "Robin Wills, a retired park service chief of Fire and Aviation for the Pacific West Region, told SFGATE in a call that large and dangerous wildfires are starting to burn across entire calendar years instead of during shorter, monthlong periods in specific regions."
Before you lace up boots, search 'Olympic National Forest trail closures,' 'Lake Cushman smoke forecast,' or 'Stage 2 fire restrictions Washington' to make sure your game plan is still viable.
Bottom line: The Bear Gulch Fire is rewriting the summer adventure script for Washington hikers, climbers, and campers. Respect the closures, heed evacuation notices, and remember that the peninsula's other forests, canyons, and shorelines still deliver the kind of wild weekend adventurers chase, no illegal campfires required.Bear Gulch Fire Forces Level-3 Evacuations first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 3, 2025
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