What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of August 9, 2025, the Bear Gulch Fire is burning in Mason County, Washington, primarily within Olympic National Park near Lake Cushman (1).
The fire is situated in challenging mountainous terrain, which has made firefighting efforts more difficult. Smoke from this wildfire has also been contributing to reduced air quality in the Puget Sound region, including Seattle and surrounding areas.
For a more detailed look, see Mason County's air quality map.
Which cities or areas are affected by the Bear Gulch Fire?
The cities and areas affected by the Bear Gulch Fire include:
- Anacortes
- Cle Elum
- Enumclaw
- Hoodsport
- Island County
- Kitsap County
- Lake Cushman
- Mount Rainier
- North Bend
- Port Townsend
- Puyallup
- Seattle
What is the current containment status of the Bear Gulch Fire?
As of August 9, 2025, the Bear Gulch Fire has burned approximately 4,936 acres and is 3% contained (3).
Firefighters are implementing a full suppression strategy, using ground crews, sprinkler systems, structure protection wraps, and aerial bucket drops to limit the fire’s spread.
The steep, rugged terrain and unstable burning debris have slowed progress, but cooler temperatures and rising humidity are expected to help containment efforts in the coming days.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders remain in effect for areas north of Lake Cushman, including:
- Dry Creek Trail
- Staircase Campground
- Causeway on the north side of Lake Cushman
Residents in these areas have been instructed to leave immediately with essential belongings, family members, and pets (3). Nearby locations are under lower-level evacuation alerts, with authorities advising residents to stay prepared in case fire conditions worsen.
Public health agencies are also issuing air quality advisories for sensitive groups in impacted regions due to intermittent smoke impacts (2).
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
