Tunnel Creek Fire Update - 9/18/25

OLYMPIA, Wash., – The Tunnel Creek Fire was last mapped at 410 acres, growing further to the west into the Buckhorn Wilderness. National Infrared Operations, which provides near real-time delivery of high resolution airborne infrared imagery and fire detection data, is scheduled for tonight.  

Active fire behavior was observed in the early morning hours of September 17th but moderated throughout the day as smoke from the nearby Bear Gulch Fire settled over the area. Most activity was on the NW and SW flanks with group torching, flanking and short runs.

Day time relative humidities are expected to rise over the next couple of days with precipitation forecasted over the weekend. These weather factors will lessen fire activity but sustained rainfall over a longer period of time is needed to fully extinguish the fire.

For updates regarding the Tunnel Creek Fire, visit the Olympic National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic and follow @olympicforest on social media.