Single Publication

Ruby Fire Quick Facts

Size: 1300 acres                            Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington

Containment: 0%                        Cause: Lightning/Natural

Start Date: August 9, 2024       Total Personnel: 42

Fire Information: 360-208-8096

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

Current Status: Friday, command staff took a reconnaissance flight to gain visual perspective of fire activity and size. While hotspots are still visible, the flight confirmed that activity has lessened and continues to be confined within the fire perimeter. The Ruby Fire has burned in a mosaic, at various intensities, at times leaving unburned areas. The fire has reduced duff and dead vegetation, releasing nutrients in the soil which will stimulate new growth and improve habitat for wildlife. Fire activity is predicted to stay much the same, if not decreasing over the next several days with wetting rain and continued cooler temperatures. Panther Creek and Thunder Creek trails remain closed as critical areas for firefighters to stage for fire suppression efforts. Travelers should use extra caution when traveling on State Route 20 (SR20) near Colonial Creek Campground South to avoid inhibiting active firefighting operations. 

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to focus on protecting critical infrastructure such as campgrounds, SR20, trails, and backcountry camps 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 themselves and the public. 

Weather: An upper level trough arrived Friday evening bringing showers throughout most of the area into Saturday. Wetting rains are likely across portions of the area Saturday night, with a slight chance (20 to 30%) of thunderstorms. Conditions will slightly dry out Monday before cool showers return on Tuesday for another round of wetting rains. Temperatures will continue to remain below normal.

Closures: Several for public safety, see: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures

Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be GOOD on Saturday. Forecast at https://www.airnow.gov 

Burning Restrictions: North Cascades National Park Service Complex: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area lifted the burn ban on September 13. There are currently no fire restrictions in place. To read more: https://go.nps.gov/ban-lifted.

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.