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: 50

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: Precipitation received over the fire earlier in the week helped hinder fire activity. However, a warming trend is expected to continue through the weekend, potentially impacting fire behavior. To mitigate potential fire danger, firefighters continue implementing plans to protect threatened infrastructure and other values at risk. An Infrared (IR) flight was conducted yesterday, which helped validate the fire perimeter, and provide fire managers a better idea of where hotspots are located. Fire managers will continue to assess and monitor fire activity by utilizing aircraft equipped with IR.  

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: High pressure will continue to bring warm and dry conditions over the incident site through the weekend. Light easterly flow will limit relative humidity (RH) recoveries at the site, with minimum RH values around 25-30%, which is nearing critical values. With the air mass drying out, there is the potential these values could even be lower locally, especially on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. As fuels dry throughout this period, we will continue to monitor for potential critical fire weather conditions throughout the weekend, especially dependent on how fuels dry.

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

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Saturday and Sunday. 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. 

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