Fire
Even though the Olympic Peninsula is known for receiving abundant rainfall this does not mean the forest is impervious to fire. The evidence of tree rings, charcoal analysis, forest composition and structure shows a vast history of fire on the landscape. From the fire-intolerant Sitka Spruce forests in the west to the fire-dependent Douglas-fir forests in the east, wildland fire has shaped Olympic Peninsula ecosystems for thousands of years.
Today, fire on federal lands on the Olympic Peninsula is managed by Olympic Interagency Fire Management. Together the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife provide cooperative fire management across Olympic National Forest, Olympic National Park, various National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries and other National Park Service sites. This relationship provides for the exchange of resources in support of fire planning and preparedness, fire training and qualifications management, wildfire response, and fuels project planning and implementation.
To Report a Fire: Dial 911
Active Incidents and Restrictions
For information regarding the Bear Gulch and Tunnel Creek Fires visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waolf-bear-gulch-fire
For information regarding the Tunnel Creek Fire visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/waolf-tunnel-creek-fire
Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest have returned to standard campfire regulations. Campers should use caution with any open flame and ensure fires are completely extinguished - cool to the touch - before leaving a site. Campers are required by law to stay with their campfire from start to finish. Fireworks area ALWAYS prohibited on federal public lands.
In addition:
Fires may only be built within established rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces below the 3,500-foot elevation.
On ocean beaches, fires may not be kindled closer than 10 feet to the nearest beach logs. Fires may not exceed 3 feet in diameter.
Campfires and wood-burning camp stoves are not allowed on the coast between the headland at Wedding Rocks and the headland north of Yellow Banks.
Open fires are prohibited in the following backcountry areas:
- Parkwide above 3500’ elevation
- Forestwide above 3500’ in Wilderness areas
- The South Ozette Loop from the headland at Wedding Rocks south to the headland at the north end of Yellow Banks
- The Olympic Hot Springs area including the Boulder Creek camp area
- From 1/4 mile north of Elk Lake (Martin Creek) to, and including, Glacier Meadows and above, to include the lateral moraine/Blue Glacier
What are Fire Restrictions?
Fire restrictions, often called Public Use Restrictions, are put in place when fuel moistures and weather conditions create increased wildfire potential. These fire restrictions help reduce the chance of human-caused wildfire starts. Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands.
Most wildfires in Washington are caused by humans. Usually, when entering fire restrictions, Olympic National Forest bans all campfires but allows the use of propane stoves and other devices with instant "off" switches. Restrictions can affect where you are allowed to smoke, the types of roads you can travel, and if you are allowed to have a campfire. It is your responsibility to know and follow these restrictions when recreating on public lands.
Learn how you can reduce the risk of wildfires here.