OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Crews continued to monitor a wildfire near Barnes Point on Sunday, and park officials said they will continue a hands-off policy unless they see changes to the fire’s behavior.
The 1.5-acre fire, called the Upper Falls Fire, is burning in low underbrush, and smoldering in logs and stumps, but it currently poses little threat to spread.
Red flag warnings have expired, and by Sunday afternoon there were no new fire danger alerts in the North Olympic Peninsula.
Campfires are permitted within developed campgrounds at Olympic National Park.
Visitors are urged to use caution and follow campfire safety guidelines.
A state ban on open fires outside of the park remains in effect.
On Sunday evening, the state Department of Natural Resources listed the Clallam and Jefferson county fire danger levels as “moderate.”
Current information on the fire is available at the Olympic National Park’s recorded fire information line at 360-565-3125.
The Upper Falls Fire on Sunday was burning in an inaccessible cliff area, according to park information.
The Marymere Falls trail remained open, and there was no threat to any nearby structures.
Smoke was not visible from Barnes Point or Highway 101.
The park received the first report of the fire at about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, and two park rangers responded to investigate.
ONP and DNR crews arrived at the scene at about 6 p.m. and began fire suppression efforts.
The fire is believed to be human-caused and is under investigation.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
