LAKE CRESCENT — An unattended campfire is the prime suspect in a wildland blaze Saturday that scorched more than 3 acres near the east end of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.
Although the fire did not destroy any homes, officials are concerned that dry conditions are increasing the chance for bigger, badder fires, especially with Fourth of July fireworks celebrations two days away.
“It’s amazingly dry for this time of year,” said Larry Nickey, fire and emergency services coordinator for the park.
“This is way too early.”
The investigation into the fire at Pirates Cove near East Beach Road was not complete Saturday afternoon, but Nickey said he suspects it began as an abandoned campfire near a spot where teenagers sometimes congregate on a cove near East Beach.
The report of the blaze came shortly after midnight on Saturday.
As the fire grew, troopers with the Washington State Patrol assisted by evacuating six people, Nickey said.
That included residents of two houses and a man camping beside his unfinished house, Nickey said.
After a few hours, the evacuees were allowed to return to their homes.
“Most of them did not sleep,” Nickey said.
