Single Publication

Ruby Fire Update
August 19, 2024
Minnesota Incident Command System (MNICS) Incident Commander-Jeb Backe

Ruby Fire Quick Facts
Size: 902 acres

Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024 Total Personnel: 94
 

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: Fire suppression efforts will continue today as safety permits; access is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards. Yesterday, light rain produced moist, cool conditions and cloud cover over the fire. Firefighters were able to move ahead with suppression efforts and reported moderate fire activity that included smoldering, backing and single tree torching. Smoke plumes from the Ruby Fire remain noticeable from public areas.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to protect critical infrastructure, park campgrounds, trails, backcountry camps, and other resources in preparation for 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: Monday, partially sunny with highs near 76. Southerly winds 3 to 7 mph gusting to 10 mph. In the evening, partially cloudy with a 15% chance for rain. East winds 3 to 6 mph. Lows near 57. 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