Bear Gulch Fire grows to more than 9,600 acres,10% contained

The Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman has grown to 9,657 acres and is only 10% contained, as of approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to Watch Duty’s wildfire map.

Warmer temperatures and dry weather conditions on Tuesday contributed to increased fire activity, especially in the Wagonwheel Lake area. Since Aug. 25, the Bear Gulch Fire has lowered from 13% containment to 10% as crews have continued to battle the fire for nearly two months.

Rachel Lipski, public information officer for the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team, told KIRO Newsradio the change was due to fire growth, not the result of having fewer firefighters on scene.

“What has happened over time is that the fire has continued to grow in these kind of fingers up drainages in really steep country,”