HOODSPORT . – The Bear Gulch Fire burning in the Olympic National Forest has ballooned to 8,368 acres, with containment still at just 3% as of Sunday morning.

The fire, first reported July 6, is burning in heavy downed timber on steep, rocky slopes near the Mt. Rose Trailhead and Lake Cushman corridor. Despite recent rainfall of more than an inch, the blaze continues to creep and smolder, posing ongoing challenges for firefighters.

Evacuations remain in effect under orders from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Crews are focused on protecting the Staircase, Copper Creek, and Dry Creek areas, while helicopters conduct bucket drops to slow spread near Mount Rose and No Name Creek.

The firefighting force includes 688 personnel, 12 crews, 16 engines, and nine helicopters. The effort is bei

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