Fire spotted at Maiden Peak in national park

2620 Road Fire containment efforts ongoing

  • By Christopher Urquia Peninsula Daily News
  • Thursday, August 22, 2024 1:30am
  • NewsClallam County

PORT ANGELES — Interagency fire crews have located a 2.5-acre wildfire on Maiden Peak in Olympic National Park that was ignited by the lightning storm last weekend.

The Maiden Peak fire, situated on the northwest side of the peak, is primarily burning in the forest canopy, with some smoldering observed in debris on the ground, park officials said.

No structures or trails are currently threatened, and no evacuations or closures have been ordered.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The affected area recently experienced rainfall, with more precipitation expected in the coming days, park officials said.

“We will see if this fire persists through the rain,” said Molly Pittman, public affairs specialist with Olympic National Park.

The Maiden Peak fire was one of several sparked by lightning strikes across Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest on Saturday. Smoke reports were received immediately after the storm.

Due to a sustained drought preceding the storm, the Peninsula had been facing dangerous fire conditions, leading to a complete campfire ban implemented by Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest and the state Department of Natural Resources on July 26.

Meanwhile, the 2620 Road Fire, located west of Brinnon and north of Duckabush Road on Mount Jupiter, remains a concern. The fire had burned about 398 acres and was 8 percent contained on Wednesday.

Cooler temperatures and occasional light showers have provided firefighters with an opportunity to make progress, including mop-up efforts in some areas, fire officials said.

“These efforts should lead to an increase in the containment over the next few days,” said Norma Brock, public information officer with the Western Washington Incident Management Team.

However, Duckabush Road and Mount Jupiter Road (2620 Road) remain closed to all except residents, and evacuation notices remain in effect for the surrounding areas.

There were 373 personnel assigned to the 2620 Road Fire on Wednesday, with ongoing efforts to increase containment in the coming days. A temporary flight restriction also remained in place over the area.

“The 2500 block and above Duckabush remain at a Level 2 evacuation notice,” Brock said.

“The 1000 block up to the 2500 block remain at a Level 1,” she added. “There are no shelters open at this time.”

The Level 1 “get ready” evacuation notice advises residents to get ready, to be aware of the danger in the area and to prepare for a possible evacuation.

The Level 2 “get set” evacuation notice urges residents to prepare for sudden or short notice evacuation order. People with disabilities, small children, medical conditions or large animals should evacuate at this level.

________

Reporting intern Christopher Urquia is a student at Peninsula College. He can be reached by email at christopher.urquia@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Road closed near Port Angeles structure fire

The Port Angeles Fire Department is working to contain… Continue reading

Rikki Rodger, left, holds a foam float, and Mark Stevenson and Sara Ybarra Lopez drop off 9.2 pounds of trash and debris they collected at Kai Tai Lagoon in Port Townsend during the Port Townsend Marine Science Center Earth Day Beach Cleanup event Saturday at Fort Worden State Park. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Beach cleanup

Rikki Rodger, left, holds a foam float, and Mark Stevenson and Sara… Continue reading

Emily Randall.
Randall reflects on first 100 days

Public engagement cited as top priority

Sequim company manufactures slings for its worldwide market

Heavy-duty rigging includes windmills, construction sites

Legislature hearing wide range of bills

Property tax, housing could impact Peninsula

Jefferson County adjusts budget appropriations

Money for parks, coroner and substance abuse treatment in jail

Motorcycle rider airlifted to Seattle hospital

A Sequim man was airlifted to a Seattle hospital after… Continue reading

Charter Review town hall committee to meet Wednesday

The Clallam County Charter Review Commission Town Hall Committee… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School jazz band second at Lionel Hampton festival

The Port Angeles High School jazz band placed second… Continue reading

This excited toddler is focused on his next prize and misses the ones right in front of him during the 95th annual Port Townsend Elks Club Easter Egg Hunt at Chetzemoka Park on Sunday. Volunteers hid more than 1,500 plastic eggs around the park with some redeemable for prizes. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
On the hunt

This excited toddler is focused on his next prize and misses the… Continue reading

Policy to opt out of meters updated

Clallam PUD to install digital instead of analog

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Scott Burgett and Linda Kahananui are members of Dark Sky International who are working to spread awareness about how to be mindful with artificial lighting at night.
Scott Burgett and Linda Kahananui are members of Dark Sky International who are working to spread awareness about how to be mindful with artificial lighting at night. (Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
International Dark Sky Week to be celebrated

Peninsula residents raise awareness of artificial light pollution