Update for North Cascades National Park Fires (August 8, 2013)

Date: August 8, 2013
Contact: Rick Acosta, Fire Information Officer, 360-854-7356
Contact: Jamie Hart

Marblemount, WA – August 8, 2013 - North Cascades National Park Complex has been managing several lightning caused fires.

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. Smoke may be visible from Highway 20, Hozomeen, and/or Ross Lake.

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. Smoke may be visible from Colonial Creek Campground and/or Highway 20.

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.

In North Cascades National Park Complex campfires are only allowed in approved fire rings in developed campgrounds. Please be aware of other local burn bans in effect across the northwest.  

For more information, please contact: Rick Acosta, Fire Information Officer, Telephone [phone]. Or email Jamie Hart.