9/16/2025 Bear Gulch Fire Evening Update

Bear Gulch Fire Evening Update

Fire Information Phone: 360-732-1813 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; voice only – texts will not be received)

Email: 2025.beargulch@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beargulch2025/

September 16, 2025  

Estimated size: 12,093 acres

Containment: 9%

Start Date/Time: 07/06/2025 8:37 p.m.

Area of Origin: North side of Lake Cushman near Mount Rose in Olympic National Forest, Hoodsport, WA.

Cause: Human-caused, under investigation

Structures Damaged: 0

Fire Personnel: 34 

Strategy: Full Suppression

Update: The Bear Gulch Fire experienced a significant uptick in activity today, driven by warm, dry conditions and strong easterly winds. The east winds primarily impacted the upper slopes of the fire area, intensifying fire behavior and producing heavy smoke, particularly from the North Fork Skokomish river valley, 5 Stream and 6 Stream Wilderness areas of Olympic National Park.

A helicopter was deployed to drop water buckets above the Dry Crk Trail area, located northwest of Lake Cushman, to help slow the fire’s spread. Aviation resources continue to play an active role in suppression efforts and are supporting structure protection in areas adjacent to Lake Cushman as fire behavior remains elevated.  

Evacuation Levels: Although heavy smoke may be visible around Lake Cushman and across the Olympic Peninsula, no new evacuation levels have been issued.

Homes in the area near Dry Creek Trail remain in a Level 3 “GO” evacuation. This includes the Staircase Campground and areas across the causeway on the north side of Lake Cushman. Current evacuation information: https://www.facebook.com/masoncosheriff

Smoke Outlook: Air quality may remain unhealthy for sensitive groups adjacent to the fire area. Air quality can change quickly. Know your risk from wildfire smoke and plan to reduce exposure. For current smoke reports, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov