There was smoke over some of Kitsap County this week as fire crews were fighting three blazes in nearby Olympic National Forest.
The fires were caused by lightning strikes. They are just 1/10th of an acre each. Despite some rains, the area still is in drought condition, which fuels the flames. A burn ban is in effect statewide.
“The potential still exists for abandoned campfires or discarded charcoal to start a wildfire, so we’re asking the public to adhere to the campfire ban,” said Jeff Neil, assistant Interagency Fire Management officer.
Only air resources are being used at the fire near Lake Cushman due to steep terrain and risk to firefighters, an ONF news release says. The Townsend 1 fire in the Buckhorn Wilderness was 100% controlled by an engine crew and helicopter equipped with a bucket. It is being checked periodically. The Maynard Peak fire 11 miles south of Sequim, also in the Buckhorn Wilderness, is in a remote area without road access. A fire crew was still trying to reach the location.