sharply for several days and then sank back to 18 year lows well into the 3rd percentile in early September (9/1 14%, 9/2 10 %, 9/3 17%). With the exception of a couple of unusually cold days that fell near 18 year lows (8/10 52, 8/24 55), August 2006 temperatures were mostly above average and many days were near 18 year highs. During the period of most active fire growth temperatures were just below the 95th percentile and just below 18 year highs (8/19 84, 8/20 84, 8/21 82). Temps cooled off a bit just after this timeframe for several days before climbing back into the 95th percentile near 18 year highs in late August and early September. The Griff Fire The Fire of 2003 was discovered on September 6th, significantly later than any of the other case study fires in this project and near what many consider to be the end of fire season in the Olympics. It was ignited by a late season lightning storm near the top of Griff Peak. This fire was on a NE aspect only three air-miles from town of Port Angeles. It was in the NE portion (still well over on the dry/ rainshadow side) of the park and was highly visible from town. Full suppression strategies were considered due to the fire’s proximity to this community, however, due to the incredibly steep terrain
sharply for several days and then sank back to 18 year lows well into the 3rd percentile in early September (9/1 14%, 9/2 10 %, 9/3 17%). With the exception of a couple of unusually cold days that fell near 18 year lows (8/10 52, 8/24 55), August 2006 temperatures were mostly above average and many days were near 18 year highs. During the period of most active fire growth temperatures were just below the 95th percentile and just below 18 year highs (8/19 84, 8/20 84, 8/21 82). Temps cooled off a bit just after this timeframe for several days before climbing back into the 95th percentile near 18 year highs in late August and early September. The Griff Fire The Fire of 2003 was discovered on September 6th, significantly later than any of the other case study fires in this project and near what many consider to be the end of fire season in the Olympics. It was ignited by a late season lightning storm near the top of Griff Peak. This fire was on a NE aspect only three air-miles from town of Port Angeles. It was in the NE portion (still well over on the dry/ rainshadow side) of the park and was highly visible from town. Full suppression strategies were considered due to the fire’s proximity to this community, however, due to the incredibly steep terrain
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