06/28/2015 Paradise Fire Daily Update

Paradise Fire Update 

June 28, 2015

For Immediate Release
360-565-2986

In spite of the combination of weather and dry conditions experienced by firefighters on the Paradise Fire, Saturday was a relatively quiet day. The fire continues to advance up the slopes of Pelton Peak, while other portions of the fire saw little growth. Crews continue to work to keep the fire north of the Queets River. High temperatures on the fire ranged from 89-94 degrees F, which is considered quite high for this time of year. No significant rainfall is in the forecast, and there is a chance of thunderstorms and potential for dry lightning on Sunday.

"If this fire were happening in August or September we would be much less concerned about it than we are here in June" said John Giller, Operations Section Chief with the Incident Management Team assigned to the fire. "There is a lot of fire season ahead of us." On Saturday a paramedic was embedded with the on-site crews as fire officials continue to provide for firefighter safety as a top priority.

 

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/incident/4305/, and by calling Paradise Fire Information at 360-565-2986. For real time information, visit the Paradise Fire Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paradise-Fire/831205013596015.

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 at http://www.nps.gov/olym.