BRINNON — Olympic Interagency Fire Management continues to make progress in suppressing three lightning-caused fire starts in the Olympic National Forest.
The fires, which began last weekend, are small but challenging due to the dry conditions persisting on the Olympic Peninsula.
Despite some rainfall in the region this week, drought conditions continue, and much of the forest remains extremely dry, interagency fire management officials said.
A burn ban remains in effect across the state, including the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park.
“In spite of the current rainfall, the weather is forecast to return to hotter, dryer conditions,” said Jeff Neil, assistant Interagency Fire Management officer.
“The potential still exists for abandoned campfires or discarded charcoal to start a wildfire, so we’re asking the public to adhere to the campfire ban,” he added.
The Lightning Peak Fire, located near Lake Cushman, has remained at one-tenth of an acre.
Due to the steep terrain and the risk posed to firefighters, fire managers suppressed the fire using air resources only, officials said.
The fire is showing some smoke, but suppression efforts have kept it within its original footprint. A responder continues to monitor the fire. No residences or park infrastructure are currently threatened, officials said.
Townsend 1 Fire, situated in the Buckhorn Wilderness, also has remained at one-tenth of an acre and is 100 percent controlled, fire officials said.
An engine crew and a helicopter equipped with a bucket suppressed the fire on Monday.
The fire is in a patrol status, meaning personnel will periodically check the site to ensure it remains under control, officials said.
The Maynard Peak Fire, also in the Buckhorn Wilderness, is located in a remote section without road access. A fire crew is still attempting to reach the site to assess the fire’s status, officials said.
The 2620 Road Fire near Brinnon, which began Aug. 14, has grown to an estimated 403 acres and is 8 percent contained. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
All residents of Duckabush Road are under a Level 1 “get ready” evacuation alert. That includes the 2500 block and above, previously was at Level 2 “get set” status, officials said.
Residents should continue to ensure they have an evacuation plan in place, officials said.
Duckabush Road and Mt. Jupiter Road remain closed to the public, with access limited to residents and emergency services vehicles.
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Reporting intern Christopher Urquia is a student at Peninsula College. He can be reached by email at christopher.urquia@peninsuladailynews.com.
