News Release

Perry, Thunder, and Big Beaver Fires Update

Date: August 29, 2025
Contact: NOCA Public Affairs

SEDRO WOOLLEY, Wash. – Fire activity increased on the Perry Fire due to warm temperatures, windy conditions, and low humidity throughout the area. The Perry Fire is estimated at 250 acres. Steep, difficult, and cliffy terrain pose significant threat to firefighter safety which limits direct line on the Perry Fire. Fire managers continue a full suppression strategy with aerial delivered water from a Type-3 helicopter. Additional resources, including a Type-1 Wildland Fire Module, have been ordered to support active suppression operations. 

Temperatures for Saturday and Sunday are more seasonable for this time of the year, which helps in overnight relative humidity recovery. Unseasonably hot and dry weather is expected Monday through the remainder of the week. Smoke is present with the hot and dry weather and increased fire behavior. Visitors to the area should expect to see smoke impacts in the Ross Lake area. Air quality can change quickly. Know your risk from wildfire smoke and plan to reduce exposure. Learn more at Real-Time Air Quality Map | PurpleAir or https://fire.airnow.gov. 

Two additional fires remain active in the park complex following lighting storms this past week. The Thunder Fire remains at 1.5 acres. Initial attack included 17 smokejumpers to the fire area. Firefighters have completed handline around the fire; heat spots remain in the center. An extended mop up operation is expected due to heavy fuel load.

The Big Beaver Fire remains a ¼ acre following full suppression efforts. The fire received aerial delivered water from a Type-3 helicopter over the last two days. Overall, aerial operations have successfully kept the fire in check and there is no smoke seen on the fire. Fire crews will continue to monitor for smoke. 

Drones are prohibited in the area during emergency fire response. If you fly, we can’t! If there are drone incursions, all helicopter flights will be grounded. Keep drones away from wildfires.  

Visitors should check the park Fire Closures page prior to a visit for up-to-date trail and camp closure information. Closures are in place to protect the public.

Fire restrictions remain in effect in all areas of the park complex. Campfires 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. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley.

www.nps.gov/noca