Paradise Fire Update
June 27, 2015
For Immediate Release
360-565-2986
360-565-2986
Firefighters are preparing for increased activity on the Paradise Fire today, as weather conditions are expected to be of concern throughout the Pacific Northwest. Increased temperatures and low relative humidity combined with unstable air masses and possible dry lightning could challenge fire managers, increasing growth of the existing fire and raising the potential for new fires to start. Fire indicies continue to be well above normal for late June throughout the fire area, which experienced the driest spring in 120 years.
The fire is burning in the remote wilderness backcountry within the park, along the Queets River and through steep canyons and rock features. The primary fire expansion is north-northeast up toward the rocky top of Pelton Peak and eastward over Pelton ridge. At lower elevations, the fire is being carried along by lichens, which are extremely dry for this time of year.
Olympic National Park has instituted a ban on open fires in the park’s wilderness backcountry, including all locations along the coast. Campfires are permitted only in established fire grates at established front country campgrounds. The burn restriction will remain in place until further notice. Camp stoves may still be used in the park's wilderness backcountry, but should be operated well away from flammable vegetation and forest litter. Because of the extreme conditions on the peninsula, Olympic National Forest has also implemented fire restrictions.
Information on this fire can be obtained on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
For current information about visiting Olympic National Park, as well as information about the history and role of fire in the Olympic ecosystem, please visit the park’s website athttp://www.nps.gov/olym.
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