Fire Crews Responding to Mt. Tom Creek Fire

Estimated size: 86 acres
Containment: 0%
Start Date: 06/23/2026
Area of Origin: Mount Tom Creek Basin
Cause: Lightning
Structures Damaged: 0
Strategy: Full Suppression

PORT ANGELES, Wash. - The lightning-caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire is burning on a remote mountain slope on the west side of Olympic National Park. Fire management officials have ordered aviation and ground resources to respond to the fire, including Type 1 and Type 2 helicopters, enhanced reconnaissance aircraft, wildland fire engines, and hand crews. The fire was reported by backpackers on June 24 after a lightning storm moved through the area on June 23.

The fire is burning on a steep, densely forested slope approximately 5 miles west-northwest of Mount Olympus. The Hoh Rain Forest administrative site is approximately 6 miles from the fire perimeter. The Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, campground, and trails are currently open to the public.

A Type 3 Incident Management organization will assume command of the fire starting on June 26.

Public and firefighter safety will remain the top priority as crews work to suppress this fire. Firefighter rappellers assessed the area and determined that it was not feasible to insert firefighters directly from aircraft to the fire line. The fire is far from potential aircraft landing zones and trails that could provide evacuation routes which presents challenges for firefighter safety. Additional hazards include standing snags, steep slopes, and dense vegetation.

Multiple lightning strikes were recorded in Olympic National Park Tuesday night through early Wednesday afternoon. Fire crews did not identify any additional fires on a reconnaissance flight late Wednesday night.

Weather: The fire area is forecasted to receive between 0.25-1.75 inches of rain through Sunday. Though the precipitation may constrain fire behavior, it is unlikely to extinguish the fire.

Fire Restrictions: Due to increased fire activity and dry vegetation, Olympic National Park is implementing fire restrictions today, June 25. Dispersed and backcountry fires are prohibited. Fires within established metal fire rings in developed campgrounds and picnic areas are exempt from this prohibition. Propane and gas stoves are allowed, if operated at least three feet away from flammable vegetation and forest litter.

Closures: The Lake of the Gods backcountry campsite is closed. There are no evacuation orders.

Smoke Outlook: Smoke may be visible from various locations on the Olympic Peninsula. Air quality can change quickly. For current smoke information, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov

Air Space Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place. If you fly, we can't. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

How You Can Help: Creating defensible space around your home is the best way to reduce wildfire risk and help firefighters. Learn how at: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires.