Upper Falls Fire Afternoon Update, August 9
Contact: Rainey McKenna, 360-565-2985
Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005
The Upper Falls Fire southwest of Barnes Point at Lake Crescent continues to smolder in an area of steep, rugged terrain upslope of Marymere Falls.Fire crews have created a fire line around three-quarters of the fire perimeter and are using cliffs and Falls Creek as the remaining containment line.The fire is holding within established fire lines and continues to remain 1.5 acres in size.
Tomorrow, a park crew will continue to mop up accessible areas and monitor the fire while it consumes the remaining fuels within the fire line and burns itself out.
The Marymere Falls trail remains open and there continues to be no threat to any nearby structures. Smoke from the fire is localized and minimal. Smoke is not readily visible from Barnes Point or HWY 101.
The park received a report of the fire at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7. Two park rangers responded to investigate. At approximately 6:00 p.m. ONP and DNR crews were on-scene and began fire suppression efforts.
The fire is believed to be human caused and remains under investigation.
The eastern side of the park is currently under a red flag warning due to predicted dry lightning and continued dry conditions.The forecasted thunderstorms are expected to move through the area Friday night through Sunday and bring varying amounts of precipitation. Campfires are still permitted within developed campgrounds at Olympic National Park. Visitors are urged to use caution and follow campfire safety guidelines.
This will be the last update, unless conditions change.
Current information is available by calling Olympic National Park's recorded fire information line at 360-565-3125 or online at http://www.nps.gov/olym/parkmgmt/current-fire-status.htm.The fire information line and website will be updated daily, or as conditions change.