Single Publication

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 1216 acres                         Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                        Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024         Total Personnel: 54

Fire Information: 360-208-8096 

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov

Current Status: Another day of hot, dry weather in the North Cascades led to continued active fire behavior and smoke on Friday. The Ruby Fire continued to burn upslope on Ruby Mountain, primarily above Panther Creek. A Washington DNR helicopter worked the fire for a second day, strategically dropping water on hot spots to slow fire spread. Fire crews are positioned and prepared to defend Colonial Creek South Campground and other infrastructure if the fire encroaches. For safety, drivers should please not stop along State Route 20 (SR20) to watch firefighting operations, avoid walking onto the bridge at Diablo Lake, and avoid the closure area at Colonial Creek South Campground and the south arm of Diablo Lake.

Planned Actions: Firefighters remain vigilant, using tactics to confront hot, dry and unstable weather, including calling in aircraft for water drops to cool hot spots. A focus of fire crews is protection of park campgrounds like Colonial Creek South, critical infrastructure, SR20, trails, backcountry camps and other resources in preparation for possible fire growth. The Ruby Fire is a full suppression fire, and firefighters are using tactics with the highest chance for success, while reducing safety risks to firefighters and the public. Primary objectives are protecting human life, infrastructure and park values by limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT SATURDAY. Upper-level ridging is contributing to warm and dry weather across the incident area. Elevated to critical fire conditions are expected Saturday with relative humidity as low as 15 to 25% in concert with an unstable airmass. Conditions are expected to improve however, as a moister onshore flow returns on Sunday. 

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

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be MODERATE on Saturday and Sunday. Forecast at 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: If you fly, we can’t. Drones can jeopardize 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, Washington DNR.

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