Single Publication

August 17th, 2024

Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) Incident Commander-Jeb Backe

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 820 acres                                 Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                           Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9th, 2024       Total Personnel: 88

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: Firefighters continue protection of park infrastructure around wooden bridges, campgrounds, and trail features. Fire access is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. It is burning in timber and brush. Incident managers conducted an aerial reconnaissance flight to analyze the fire. Fire managers developed trigger points and are assembling firefighting gear in preparation of possible fire growth due to weather.  

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to work to protect values at risk in the fire area through structure protection and around critical infrastructure, park campgrounds, trail infrastructure, backcountry camps, and other resources in preparation of 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. Firefighting strategies and tactics are based on the availability of air and ground resources across the country due to numerous ongoing fires throughout the west.  Main objectives are protecting human life, minimizing damage to values at risk, and limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: Saturday, sunny skies and warm with highs in the mid-80s. Winds out of the SE 4-8 mph gusting up to 15 mph. Saturday evening, cloudy with rain showers and thunderstorms, Flash Flood Watch 5pm Sat to 8am Sun. Low chance for heavy rainfall resulting in flash flooding and low chance for severe winds. Overnight lows in the low 60s with winds of 6-12 mph gusting up to 20 mph.

Closures: There are multiple closures in the area due to the Ruby Fire and other nearby fires. Closures are in place for public safety. Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch are closed. State Route 20 is closed east of the park from MP 148 and MP 157 due to the Easy Fire. For a full list of park closures visit https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures .

Burning Restrictions: National Park Service - Campfires or 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. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley.

Cooperating Agencies & Tribes: National Park Service, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Seattle City Light, Whatcom County, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

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