The Bear Gulch Fire in the Olympic National Forest has scorched nearly 20,000 acres and remains just 5 percent contained, sending thick plumes of smoke across the Pacific Northwest. It is one of a dozen large wildfires currently burning across the state.
Officials say steep terrain and stubborn dry weather are making suppression efforts difficult — and it may take several days of heavy rain or consistent snow before the wildfire is fully contained.
That smoke is also now contributing to the nation’s worst air quality.
Communities including Leavenworth and Wenatchee have reported “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” levels, with conditions worsening overnight as smoke settles in low-lying areas. Public health agencies are warning people to stay indoors, limit outdoor activity and use air filters when possible.
Where is the Bear Gulch Fire?
The Bear Gulch Fire is burning in Mason County, Washington, within the Olympic National Forest near Lake Cushman, just across the Hood Canal from Seattle. It ignited on July 6, 2025, and is now the largest wildfire on the Olympic Peninsula since the 1951 Great Forks Fire.
As of Thursday, Sept. 25, the fire has scorched about 19,900 acres.
Red flag alert over much of Washington
A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Thursday due to low relative humidity, gusty winds, and dry fuels, according to the National Weather Service.
The warning will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. PDT for the East Washington South Central Cascade Mountains and Kittitas Valley. For the Lower Columbia Basins of Oregon and Washington, the Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon, and the Warm Springs Reservation, the warning will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. PDT.
The weather risk is considered major, rated 4 out of 5.
Residents should be aware that fires may spread rapidly and follow local news and law enforcement instructions if evacuations are ordered. Trailer chains should be secured and not allowed to drag on the ground, and no outdoor burning should take place.
Air quality map in Washington
Active wildfires in Washington
As of Thursday, Sept. 25, state fire officials were tracking multiple large blazes:
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Lower Sugarloaf Fire — 31,049 acres, 27% contained
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Rattlesnake Fire — 21,845 acres, 96% contained
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Bear Gulch Fire — 19,947 acres, 6% contained
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Labor Mountain Fire — 17,181 acres, 7% contained
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Crown Creek Fire — 14,192 acres, 93% contained
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Lynx Mountain Fire — 8,979 acres, 56% contained
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Tacoma Creek — 3,960 acres, 86% contained
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Katy Creek Fire — 4,680 acres, 93% contained
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Pomas Fire — 3,533 acres, 45% contained
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Perry Fire — 1,772 acres, 61% contained
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Snow Peak Fire — 1,100 acres, 0% contained
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Blackhawk Mountain Fire — 1,012 acres, containment unavailable
Washington wildfire map
Washington weather watches and warnings
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This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Wildfires ablaze in Washington. Size, containment, air quality maps
