PORT ANGELES — Hurricane Ridge Road remained closed Thursday as Olympic National Park crews made progress against a fire started by a lightning strike on Monday.
The Hurricane Fire, which was at 3 acres as of Wednesday, did not grow on Thursday following a rainy and cloudy day at Hurricane Ridge, according to the park in a press release issued late Thursday.
Fire suppression efforts made progress by establishing containment lines, laying a hose to the fire, and working to prevent rolling debris from causing additional fire spread, park officials said.
“Aerial resources were not used today due to weather and poor visibility but are scheduled to be used tomorrow if weather allows,” the email said.
The forecast going into the weekend calls for sunnier and drier conditions, so the fire could grow over the weekend, park officials said, adding that it will be closely monitored over the weekend.
The Hurricane Fire was located about 2,000 feet below the Hurricane Ridge parking lot.
It was first reported at about 4:30 p.m. Monday after several lightning strikes in the area. Rolling debris ignited fuels located below the main body of the fire, the park said.
A second fire, near Eagle Point was roughly 1 acre and was being monitored for potential growth on Wednesday. Due to cloud cover, that fire was not visible today, park officials said. No suppression actions have taken place due to steep and inaccessible terrain.
“The Hurricane Fire is located in steep, rugged terrain with dry and receptive fuel beds,” park officials said. “Other challenges firefighters face include falling rocks and rolling debris.”
The fire is being fought by 30 personnel, including ground crews; a water tender and a helicopter, the park said, but the opportunity for flights was limited by cloudy weather and poor visibility.
A reconnaissance flight is planned in the coming days to spot any additional fires that may have been started by recent lightning strikes in the area.
The National Weather Service is forecasting clear skies today and Saturday with clouds and a chance of showers Sunday and Monday.
Smoke from the Hurricane and Eagle Point Fires may be visible depending on weather conditions.
Hurricane Ridge Road is closed just past the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station but visitors can still visit the campground.
Lake Angeles and Heather Park Trails have reopened and are accessible, the park said.
Obstruction Point Road and the trailhead will remain closed until further notice. The ONP Wilderness Center will notify backcountry permit holders who may be impacted by this closure. Permit holders who plan to backpack via the Obstruction Point trailhead should contact the center at 360-5665-3100 or nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm.
For updates on road status and weather conditions call 360-565-3131 or visit nps.gov/olym.
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Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.
