Lightning ignites two small fires near Hurricane Ridge, prompting road closures
Lightning strikes that hit the Olympic Peninsula on Monday ignited two fires in the Hurricane Ridge area.
Hurricane Ridge Road is closed just past the Heart of Hills entrance station to maintain public safety, but the Heart of Hills Campground is still accessible.
The Hurricane Fire is about 2,000 feet downslope from the intersection of the Hurricane Ridge parking lot and Obstruction Point Road. It was estimated at one acre, and showing moderate creeping and smoldering behavior, according to an Olympic National Park news release.
The fire is burning in steep terrain and through heavy dead fuel, though it has shown minimal growth.
The Eagle Point Fire is burning near the Obstruction Point parking lot and estimated at one-fourth of an acre, and fire personnel do not expect it to grow.
Smoke from both fires may be visible, depending on weather.
Visitors needing updates on road status and weather conditions should call 360-565-3131.
The Hurricane Ridge day lodge, a popular stop for people exploring the Olympic Peninsula, burned to the ground May 7 while the lodge was in the middle of a rehabilitation project set for completion next spring.
This story was originally published August 30, 2023 at 10:03 AM.
