Washington Fire Crews Cannot Contain Ruby Fire

Ruby Fire Quick Facts 

• Size: 1,300 acres 
• Location: North Cascades National Park, Ruby Mountain, Diablo, Washington 
• Containment: 0% 
• Cause: Lightning/Natural 
• Start Date: August 9, 2024 
• Personnel: 61 
• Fire Info: 360-208-8096 
• Inciweb: Ruby Fire Inciweb 
• Email: 2024.Ruby@firenet.gov 

 

Current Status 

• Growth: Red flag conditions last weekend led to slow fire growth, adding ~100 acres. 
• Helicopter Support: Water drops on the fire’s western and eastern edges (north of Panther Creek) from Diablo Lake. 
• Air Quality: Minimal smoke with good air quality throughout the day. 
• Trail Closures: Panther Creek, Thunder Creek, and Happy Creek trails are closed for fire suppression staging. 
• Visitor Caution: Use extra caution on State Route 20 (SR20) near Diablo Lake due to firefighting operations. 
• Lake & Campground Closures: Thunder Arm of Diablo Lake and Colonial Creek South Campground are closed. 

Planned Actions 

• Helicopter Operations: Fire managers will continue using helicopters for water drops as needed. 
• Firefighter Focus: Protect critical infrastructure (campgrounds, SR20, trails, backcountry camps) and prepare for potential fire growth. 
• Fire Suppression: Full suppression tactics with a focus on safety and effective results. 

Weather Forecast 

• Tuesday: Increased onshore flow, cloud cover, and good humidity recoveries. 
• Wednesday: A 10-20% chance of showers with a slight possibility of wetting rain in the fire area. 

Closures 

• Closed Areas: Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch, Thunder Arm (south of Diablo Lake), Happy Creek Trail, and area trails and camps. 
• Closure Info: Fire Closures 

Smoke & Air Quality 

• Air Quality: Forecasted to be GOOD on Tuesday and Wednsday. 

Restrictions 

• Burning Restrictions: No campfires, wood, briquettes, or fuel ignition in fire pits, fire pans, or BBQ grills in North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. 

Drone Restrictions 

• No Drones: Flying drones can jeopardize firefighting efforts and is prohibited in North Cascades National Park. 

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.