Single Publication

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 959 acres                           Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                      Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024        Total Personnel: 80

Fire Information:  Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov   Phone: 360-208-8096

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

Current Status: Warm sun and dry skies graced the North Cascades on Wednesday, helping the forest start to dry out after recent rains. Warm, dry weather is forecast to continue through Sunday, raising fire risk. Fire suppression work continues today as safety permits heading into the Labor Day weekend. Access to the fire on the rugged slopes of Ruby Mountain is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. 

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. The main objectives are protecting human life, minimizing damage to values at risk and limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: Upper-level ridging will continue to build over the fire, allowing for continued warming and drying. Temperature will rise up to the upper 60s to mid 70s by Friday and into the weekend. Light easterly flow will inhibit overnight humidity recoveries, only reaching 50-60%. An approaching upper-level disturbance will allow for increasing instability, and as the forest dries through this period, firefighters will monitor for potentially critical fire weather conditions moving into the weekend.

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

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Thursday and Friday. https://www.airnow.gov/

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. 

To sign up for our daily updates, please send an email to: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov