North Cascades National Park Complex Fire Update (August 9, 2013)

Date: August 9, 2013
Contact: Rick Acosta, Fire Information Officer, 360-854-7356
Contact: Jamie Hart, [e-mail]

Marblemount, WA – August 9, 2013 - Below are four, lightning caused fires that are being managed by North Cascades National Park Complex. The current weather forecast shows more lightning tonight and throughout the weekend. Lightning fires are natural, but need to be reported in a timely manner. Be on the lookout for new smoke reports as the busy weekend continues.

If someone reports a fire to you, please take this specific information:

• Where is it? (Check that it's not the same location as current managed fires.) 
• How big is it? (estimate) 
• What color is the smoke? 
• What is it burning in (on the ground or in the treetops, fuel types)? 
• How fast is the fire moving? (smoldering, creeping, torching, spotting, running)? - How close is the nearest structure? 
• How is the fire behaving (how long are the flames)? 
• What is your best estimate of how many and what type of resources are needed? 
• Any immediate hazards or concerns (traffic, power lines, public, hazmat)? 

Be aware that there are several outdoor burning bans for nearby counties, state lands and cities. Within North Cascades National Park Complex, be mindful of campfires that are allowed only within designated, approved fire pits. Never leave campfires unattended! When putting out your campfire, use lots of water, stir and be sure that it's out cold!

Fire Updates
The Ruby fire estimated at 0.5 acres in size, is located on the south slope of Ruby Mountain, about 6,000 feet elevation. It is smoldering in steep and rugged terrain in patchy brush and sub-alpine timber. Due to the unsafe terrain, staff are monitoring via aerial reconnaissance and visual lookouts along Highway 20. Little smoke may be visible from Colonial Creek Campground, Thunder Creek Trail, and/or Highway 20.

The Arctic Dan fire, estimated at 250 acres, is burning in the remote backcountry in steep, rugged terrain in heavy timber. It's located on the west side of Ross Lake between Arctic Creek and No Name Creek, within the Stephen Mather Wilderness. It is being monitored with aerial reconnaissance and staff at Desolation Lookout. Little smoke may be visible from Highway 20, Hozomeen, and/or Ross Lake.

The Sourdough Chute fire, estimated at 0.5 acres, is located on the south side of Sourdough Mountain, below the lookout. A helicopter dropped water on the fire to suppress it on July 23 & 25, 2013. No smoke has been reported from this fire recently. Monitoring will continue through the remainder of the fire season.

The McAlester fire, estimated at 20 feet by 35 feet, is located north of Lake Chelan, in the McAlester Creek drainage near Hock Mountain. It was burning in brush and sub-alpine timber. Starting August 5, two smokejumpers suppressed the fire. It is currently controlled as of August 8, 2013.

Fire	Size	Location	Forest Type	Action
Ruby	< 0.5 acres	South slope of Ruby Mountain	Steep, rugged terrain in patchy brush and sub-alpine timber	Monitoring, little smoke visible
Arctic Dan	250 acres	West of Ross Lake, Arctic Creek drainage	Steep, rugged terrain in heavy timber	Monitoring, few smokes
Sourdough Chute	< 0.5 acres	South slope of Sourdough Mountain	Steep, rugged terrain in patchy timber	Monitoring, no smoke visible
McAlester	20' X 35'	North of Lake Chelan, McAlester Creek drainage	Brush and sub-alpine timber	Controlled