Single Publication

Ruby Fire Update-August 25, 2024

Incident Commander- Shawn Turner

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 955 acres                                 Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                           Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024          Total Personnel: 83

Fire Information

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire 

Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ruby-Fire/61563760546137

Phone: 1-360-208-8096

Current Status: Fire suppression efforts continue today as safety permits; access is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. Steady rain fell over the fire in the last 48 hours, with fog and heavy cloud cover making it difficult for firefighters to assess smoke and fire conditions.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to protect critical infrastructure, park campgrounds, trails, backcountry camps, and other resources in preparation for possible fire growth. The Ruby Fire is a full suppression fire, and firefighters are utilizing strategies and tactics that provide the highest likelihood for success, while mitigating risks to firefighters and the public. Main objectives are protecting human life, minimizing damage to values at risk, and limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: Sunday, partially cloudy becoming partially sunny in the afternoon, with a 25% chance for light rain in the morning. Only minor accumulations of rain are expected. Highs near 70. Lows near 57. West winds 4 to 8 mph gusts to 12 mph. Previous 2-day rain total was ~1.73 inches – equal to 4,800 loads from a very large air tanker (VLAT). Streams and creeks may run high due to rainfall. Rockfall may occur from rainfall.

Closures: There are multiple closures in place for public safety. Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm south of Diablo Lake. For a full list of closures visit https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures.

Burning Restrictions: Campfires, the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. 

Drone Restrictions: Drones can seriously impact the safety of firefighting efforts, and operating drones within North Cascades National Park is prohibited, except with prior written approval from the superintendent. 

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: National Park Service, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Seattle City Light, Whatcom County, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Dept. of Transportation. 

Smoke: U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program - Overall air quality will be GOOD today in upper Skagit Valley. https://outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlook/f79a6d6d, https://www.airnow.gov/

If you would like to sign up for our daily updates, please send an email to: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov