Firefighters gain ground on Bear Gulch wildfire as containment reaches 19

The Bear Gulch wildfire near Lake Cushman has prompted firefighters to achieve 19% containment after burning 445 acres. Fortunately, no structures have been damaged, and no evacuation orders exist for nearby residents. To address rising fire behavior and dry conditions, the US Forest Service expanded closure areas affecting several roads and trails, including Mt Ellinor and Dry Creek Trail. All day use sites beyond milepost 10. 5 on NF-24 remain closed to protect public safety and assist firefighting efforts.

Big Creek Campground remains operational, providing limited access to the area. Fire crews are actively working to prevent the fire from spreading further, which has been attributed to human causes. The ongoing situation highlights the importance of vigilance during dry weather conditions. The community and local authorities remain alert as the fire continues to be monitored closely.