PORT ANGELES — The Eagle Point Fire at the end of Obstruction Point Road exploded from about 1 acre to an estimated 50 acres on Saturday, the Olympic National Park said.
Hurricane Ridge Road remained open to traffic on Saturday, but Obstruction Point Road was closed after it had been reopened earlier in the day.
“After dry conditions yesterday and (Saturday), the Eagle Point Fire grew significantly this afternoon. It is estimated to be 50 acres in size, but after mapping, a more accurate size will be determined,” the park said in a press release issued at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Eagle Point Fire is located about 5 miles out from Obstruction Point Road. The fire is being managed by two helicopters and three fire engines, the park said.
Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters have dropped buckets of water near the top of the fire to help prevent it from crossing over the top of the ridge to the north.
The Hurricane Fire has had little to no change from its earlier estimate of 4 acres, the park said. Some resources from the Hurricane Fire will be reassigned to the Eagle Point Fire.
Firefighters face challenges such as steep and rugged terrain as well as falling rocks and rolling debris.
The Hurricane Fire is under a full suppression strategy and is currently being worked by a Type 2 initial attack hand crew, a Type 2 helicopter, a contracted tender and Olympic Fire Program staff.
Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority on the Hurricane Fire and Eagle Point Fire.
The fires were started by lightning strikes on Monday.
A small fire near Martins Lake was spotted during a reconnaissance flight by fire personnel. It is estimated to be 0.1 acres in size and will be only monitored.
A reconnaissance flight on Friday found the Diamond Mountain Fire, Low Divide Fire and Delabarre Fire. Those three fires also will be monitored.
