All seven active fires in Olympic National Park ignited when a series of lightning strikes occurred on the Olympic Peninsula in the afternoon on August 28.

The fires in Olympic National Park fire have increased in size and complexity over the last 48 hours; fire managers are ordering additional resources to manage and support firefighters on the ground. A Type 3 incident management organization was established at 0600 on 9/17 to manage the lightning caused fires.

The Delabarre Fire is the largest of the fires and started in the Delabarre Creek drainage and burned to the northeast over the ridge and into the Buckinghorse Creek drainage.

Warm temperatures and low relative humidity levels greatly increased fire activity on the Delabarre Fire. After low fire activity for the last several days, it grew significantly in size. Acreage estimate is around 1,500, but a more accurate size will be known tomorrow after infrared mapping flights take place. There continues to remain no threat to critical infrastructure or communities from these fires at this time. 

Increased smoke from fires burning in Olympic National Park can be seen throughout the north Olympic Peninsula region. 

Fire is an integral part of the forested ecosystems on the Olympic Peninsula; plants and animals here have evolved with fire for thousands of years. Many factors such as weather, topography, and vegetation influence fire behavior and the effects that fires have on natural resources.   

Due to wildfire activity the following closures are in effect until further notice: 

Elwha River Trail from Whiskey Bend Trailhead to Low Divide

Bailey Range Traverse beyond Cat Basin

Long Ridge Trail to Dodger Point

Hayden Pass Trail

Dosewallips River Trail from Dose Meadows to Hayden Pass

Dodger Point Way Trail

North Fork Quinault Trail from Elip Creek trail junction to Low Divide

Skyline Trail from Elip Creek Trail junction to Low Divide

Martin Park Trail

Obstruction Point Road and Trailhead

Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (WIC) will be notifying backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by this closure. Any permit holders who plan to backpack in the above impacted areas should contact the WIC at 360-565-2992 or by emailing OLYM_WIC@nps.gov. 

Heavy dead and down fuels