x
Breaking News
More () »

Wildfire forces Olympic National Park trail closures, evacuations

The Maple Fire has closed several trails on the east side of Olympic National Park.
An 810-acre wildfire that's burning on the east side of Olympic National Park has forced evacuations and trail closures. (Photo: Olympic National Forest)

An 995-acre wildfire that’s burning on the east side of Olympic National Park has forced evacuations and trail closures.

The Maple Fire, which is located near Hamma Hamma 23 miles north of Shelton, was 12 percent contained Friday morning, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

A Level 3 evacuation, which means “go now,” is in place for the Hamma Hamma area.

Hamma Hamma Road leading to Lena Lake is closed, along with the Jefferson Ridge Trail, Elk Lake Trail, and Forest Service Roads 2401, 2421, and 2480. Lena Lake is also closed to public access. Hikers and travelers who were planning to visit the area are advised to make alternative plans.

The Maple Fire is burning on the east side of Olympic National Park near Hamma Hamma, about 23 miles north of Shelton. (Map: National Wildfire Coordinating Group)

The fire has crested Jefferson Ridge to the east and is expected to burn through Hamma Hamma drainage to the west, according to NWCG. Crews will focus Thursday on keeping the fire from spreading east, north, and south.

About 163 personnel are fighting the fire with about 300 people expected to arrive by Friday.

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the area near the fire. Crews asked the public to refrain from using drones near the fire, because it interferes with firefighting efforts.

There will be a public meeting on the fire Friday at 7 p.m. at the Hamma Hamma Fire Station, 34571 North U.S. Highway 101, Lilliwaup.

Before You Leave, Check This Out