Single Publication

Ruby Fire Update

August 22, 2024

Incident Commander- Shawn Turner

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 921 acres                                 Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                           Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024          Total Personnel: 71

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:  Command of the Ruby Fire was transferred to Incident Commander Shawn Turner at 6 a.m. today. Fire updates will be every other day due to fire behavior. 

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: Thursday, cloudy becoming partially cloudy in the afternoon with a 10% chance for rain showers and thunderstorms. High near 79. Southerly winds 4 to 7 mph gusting to 10 mph. Thursday night, cloudy with a 25% chance for rain showers and thunderstorms. Lows near 58. There is a risk of thunderstorms in the fire area for the rest of the week.

Closures: There are multiple closures in place for public safety. Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm south of Diablo Lake, and State Route 20 east of the park from MP 148 and MP 157, are closed. 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