JOYCE – Authorities suspect a wildfire fire burning on the north east edge of Lake Crescent was human caused.

Now they’re asking for the public’s help. In an update late Thursday afternoon, Olympic National Park officials said they suspect the fire was “human ignited”, and the cause and origin are under investigation. They want anyone in the area on the afternoon of July 29th who noticed human activity on the North Side of East Beach Road that may have contributed to the fire to call a tip line at 888-653-0009.

The East Beach Road Fire was first reported about 4 pm Wednesday. Officials estimate the fire was at about 65 acres by late yesterday afternoon. The fire is burning primarily on a south facing slope in steep heavy timber with shrub understory and is being pushed uphill by terrain driven winds. Officials say heavy smoke and isolated single tree torching may be visible in the coming days as there is a warm dry weather pattern expected for the region.

The fire is being managed by Olympic Interagency Fire Management, using multiple vehicles, hand crews and helicopters and airplanes.

East Beach Rd is closed from Hwy 101 to Log Cabin Resort. Access to East Beach Rd between Hwy 101 and Log Cabin Resort is for local residents only.

Log Cabin Resort is still operating and anyone trying to gain access to Log Cabin Resort will need to take Hwy 112 to Piedmont Rd.

Day use recreation sites along East Beach Road in Olympic National Park are closed to the public at this time.