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: 55

Fire Information: 360-208-8096 

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

Current Status: The Ruby Fire increased in fire activity over Labor Day weekend, puffing light smoke into the sky visible from Diablo Lake. The increase in fire activity was a result of hot & dry weather, conditions returning to the North Cascades for the next several days. Firefighters remain focused on infrastructure protection plans for key values at risk, while fire managers continue to monitor fire activity utilizing aircraft.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will keep working on protecting park campgrounds like Colonial Creek South, trails, backcountry camps, critical infrastructure 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: The National Weather Service has issued a FIRE WEATHER WATCH FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING TO FRIDAY EVENING, and HEAT ADVISORY FROM 8 AM THURSDAY TO 11 PM PDT FRIDAY. High pressure will build over the fire area Wednesday into Thursday, allowing for conditions to continue to warm and dry out. Conditions will also become increasingly unstable heading into Thursday. Easterly winds over the Cascades will develop late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning and may gust up to 10 to 15 mph, as well as hampering overnight humidity recovery. Conditions remain warm, dry, and unstable into Friday before more moist air returns this weekend and a slow cooling trend begins. 

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. Closures: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Wednesday and Thursday 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