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Ruby Fire
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- Email:2024.Ruby@firenet.govPhone:360-208-8096
Ruby Fire Update for September 8, 2024 09-08-2024
Ruby Fire
Publication Type: News - 09/08/2024 - 08:31
Ruby Fire Quick Facts
Size: 1217 acres Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington
Containment: 0% Cause: Lightning/Natural
Start Date: August 9, 2024 Total Personnel: 54
Fire Information: 360-208-8096
Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wancp-ruby-fire Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov
Current Status: Above average temperatures and poor relative humidity influenced an increase in fire activity and smoke yesterday. The majority of fire activity was terrain driven and occurred on the eastern perimeter of the fire, above Panther Creek, where the fire consumed a large pocket of unburnt fuel before running into the ridgeline. Tree torching was also observed on the northwestern side of the fire. Multiple helicopters were involved in suppression efforts. Two helicopters were used to strategically drop thousands of gallons of water on the fire, while one conducted reconnaissance missions - providing fire managers updates on fire behavior and activity. If the fire encroaches any values at risk, firefighters are staged and prepared to implement a point zone protection strategy as needed. For safety, drivers should please not stop along State Route 20 (SR20) to watch firefighting operations, avoid walking onto the bridge at Diablo Lake, and avoid the closure area at Colonial Creek South Campground and the south arm of Diablo Lake.
Planned Actions: Firefighters remain vigilant, using tactics to confront hot, dry and unstable weather, including calling in aircraft to assist with suppression efforts. Firefighters will continue to focus on protecting critical values such as park campgrounds like Colonial Creek South, critical infrastructure, SR20, trails, backcountry camps and other resources 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 firefighters and the public.
Weather: Hot, dry and unstable conditions will cease Saturday night. Onshore flow off the Pacific is brining relatively cooler and more moist weather towards the incident site by Sunday and into the rest of next week. Instability will remain through the forecast period but relative humidity values and temperatures are to be of no major concern. As of now, a disturbance is on track to enter Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Closures: There are multiple closures in place for public safety; Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm south of Diablo Lake, Happy Creek Trail, and area trails and camps. See all closures: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures
Smoke: Air quality is forecast to be MODERATE on Sunday and GOOD on Monday. Forecast at 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: 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.
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