Single Publication

Ruby Fire Update for August 18, 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 9, 2024, Total Personnel: 89

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: Yesterday, winds and high temperatures contributed to increased fire behavior, and moderate smoke spread throughout the area. The fire area received 3/8” precipitation last night, and fire managers are assessing impacts from the storm and will proceed with operations as safety permits. Fire access is difficult due to steep terrain and hazards.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to protect values at risk in the fire area through structure protection 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 available resources. The main objectives are protecting human life, minimizing damage to values at risk, and limiting wildfire spread to the north and west.

Weather: Sunday, cloudy skies in the morning with rain showers and thunderstorms. Then in the afternoon partially sunny with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Southerly winds 4 to 8 mph gusts to 12 mph. High near 72. Overnight partially clear with isolated rain showers. Lows near 58.

Closures: There are multiple closures in place for public safety. Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm south of Route 20, 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 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. 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, WA 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