Olympic Interagency Fire crews continue to search for potential wildland fires after weekend lightning storm

Date:
August 19, 2024
Contact:Public Affairs Office

Port Angeles, Wash.-Interagency fire crews continued suppressing fire starts and investigating smoke reports across Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest today. Although this weekend's rain and lightning storm produced several smoke reports and fire starts visible from peninsula communities, no structures are threatened and there are no new evacuations or closures.

Fire crews are still investigating potential fire activity associated with smoke reports within Olympic National Park. Cloud cover, rain, and poor visibility have hampered aerial and ground assessments. Another update will be published as soon as crews identify areas with active fires.

Crews are working to suppress two active fires on the Olympic National Forest caused by the lightning strikes.

The Townsend 1 Fire is one tenth of an acre in size. An engine crew and a helicopter with a bucket responded today, mopped up the fire, and soaked it with water. Crews will check the fire tomorrow to ensure it is completely out.

The Lightning Peak Fire is one tenth of an acre in size. A helicopter equipped with a bucket is working to suppress the fire. Due to the steep and rugged terrain, aerial suppression efforts are the most effective tactic for this fire.

On August 19, an evening reconnaissance flight was conducted over eastern and northern sections of the Olympic Peninsula to investigate smoke reports and locate possible fires. No new activity was detected.

Call 911 to report smoke or new wildfires.

The next update will be posted on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

On August 18, 2024, lightning struck several areas in Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Smoke reports were received immediately following the lightning storm.

Prior to this weekend's lightning storm, a sustained drought created dangerous fire conditions across the Olympic Peninsula. In such dry periods, living and non-living vegetation can quickly ignite. As a result, Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources implemented a complete campfire ban.

Everyone can support the fire crews and reduce the risk of starting new wildfires by following the latest fire restrictions and learning about fire preparedness. To learn more about closures on national park, national forest, and state conservation land, check each agency's website.

For information about fire preparedness and nationwide fire response, visit: Welcome to the Nation's Logistical Support Center | National Interagency Fire Center (nifc.gov)

For updates on the 2620 Fire that started near Brinnon, Washington on August 14, visit: Waolc 2620 Road Fire Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov)

For updated fire information about Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park, visit:

Olympic National Park
www.nps.gov/olym

Olympic National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/olympic

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