7/19/15 Paradise Fire Update

Yesterday's afternoon heat and low humidity warmed the Paradise fire area creating increased fire behavior and visible smoke. "There is no sense of urgency with these changes in the fire behavior," says Incident Commander Jason Loomis. "The subsequent fire growth was expected and planned for." With similar weather conditions expected today, there is the possibility of continued visible smoke.

    
The remote location, steep terrain, heavy fuel loads and drought conditions all create a condition where a long term management strategy must be used. The Paradise fire is managed to prevent spread across the Queets River or downstream toward the park boundary, more than 5 miles to the west. The objective is to confine the fire within the Park boundaries.
 
Firefighters are prepositioned at helibase to support any operational needs. If a spot fire is located, firefighters will work to stop further extension of the fire.
     
The Olympic peninsula is experiencing a busy weekend with both visitors and area residents recreating and camping. There is 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.
     
Forr real time information, visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paradise-Fire/831205013596015. Basic information is also available on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4305/.  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.
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