Crews Extinguish Two Small Lightning Fires, Continue to Work Mt. Barnes and Mount Tom Creek Fires

News Release Date: August 26, 2026
Contact:Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

PORT ANGELES, Wash.
- Firefighters extinguished two small lightning fires in Olympic National Park on Tuesday. The Maiden 2 fire had burned 0.7 acres near a ridgeline approximately 1 mile north of Maiden Peak. A single tree fire near Deer Park Campground was also extinguished. Both fires ignited during last weekend's lightning storm.

"We thank the fire teams and local community for their continued support through this fire season. Community members reporting smoke to 911 help fire teams catch new starts early, and rotations of specialized crews from near and far have supported Olympic's Interagency Fire Management Team. Together, we will continue to track and respond to fires as they emerge," said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs.

In the past week, rappelers cut line around the Mt. Barnes Fire, which burned 0.5 acres of high-elevation forest approximately 1.5 miles southeast of the Mt. Barnes summit. The lightning-caused fire was reported by backpackers on August 14. When cloud and weather conditions allowed, helicopters dropped water buckets on the fire.

The Mount Tom Creek fire continues to burn on a remote mountain slope. Helicopters dropped water on the fire after an infrared flight detected heat within the fire perimeter. Fire behavior remains minimal, with crews observing occasional smoke in the drainage. The weather forecast for the fire area shows cooling temperatures, high relative humidity, and potential for precipitation in the coming days.

Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority as crews work to contain fires.

Fire Restrictions: Due to increased fire activity and dry vegetation, Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect. All campfires are prohibited within Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest. Propane and gas stoves are allowed, if operated at least three feet away from flammable vegetation and forest litter.

Air Space Restrictions: Firefighters request that no drones are flown near firefighting operations. If you fly, we can't. Every time a drone is spotted near operations, all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Closures: There are no closures or evacuation orders.

Smoke Outlook: Smoke from distant wildfires may impact the Olympic Peninsula. Air quality can change quickly. For current smoke information, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov

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.

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