A popular recreation area in Washington's Olympic National Forest is set to reopen next week. It had been closed due to the aftermath of the Bear Gulch Fire.
The blaze was a human-caused fire that sparked last year, on July 6th. It broke out in the Lake Cushman area on steep, forested terrain.
Before it was contained, the fire grew significantly, burning more than 20,000 acres across the forest and surrounding lands.
Even after the flames were out, the damage left behind was extensive. Officials pointed to downed trees, clogged drainage ditches and major road damage across the area.
Since then, crews have been working around the clock to repair the damage and make the area safe for the public to return.
Starting July 8th, visitors will again be able to access the campground, the ranger station, a loop trail and other developed facilities that had been off-limits.
Still, officials are urging caution. They warn that burned areas can hold hidden dangers, including unstable ground, loose boulders and the risk of debris flow, and are asking visitors to stay alert.