July 3 North Cascades Fires Update

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. - An additional fire has been discovered within North Cascades National Park Service Complex following the June 24 lightning storm across the area. The Luna Fire (approx. 1 acre) is located in a rock scree southwest of Luna Camp along Big Beaver Trail in steep, rough, and remote terrain. The Warm Springs Wildland Fire Module will be inserted into the fire area today, July 3, to continue suppression efforts. The crew will be supported by a Type-3 helicopter and a Type-1 helicopter using aerial delivered water.

On July 1, a short-haul flight by a Type-3 helicopter inserted two rappeler firefighters and one short-haul firefighter into the Rigby Fire (approx. 3/4 acre), located in steep and rugged terrain. Short-haul operations involve crews using helicopters to support one or more people suspended on a fixed line beneath the helicopter and lowering trained personnel into fire locations when access to the fireline may be difficult. Once on the ground, crews engage on the fireline and remain overnight in remote locations. Firefighters have completed mop up operations and there is no visible smoke. The crew is scheduled to be extracted today following a successful suppression operation.

Five firefighters continue mop up operations on the Little Beaver Fire (1 acre). No smoke has been reported over the last two days. Work is expected to be completed over the weekend.

There has been no smoke observed over many days on the View and Borderline Fires. Monitoring by air reconnaissance flights continues over both fires.

There are no new closures or evacuations in place for the fires on the park complex. All visitor and information centers, areas, campgrounds, and trails are currently open to the public. Visitors should be aware of fire activity and check the park Fire Closures page prior to a visit for up-to-date trail and camp closure information.

Weather: Favorable weather conditions continue with below normal temperatures with possible light rain showers and good humidity recoveries. Warming and drying conditions are expected to return over the weekend.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in effect beginning Monday, June 29. Campfires or 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. Gas or propane stoves, grills, or lanterns are permitted in campgrounds and wilderness areas for the use of cooking if there is no flammable material within three feet of the device.

Smoke Outlook: Smoke may be visible from various locations around the Ross Lake area of the park complex. Air quality can change quickly. For current smoke information, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov

Air Space Restrictions: Drones are prohibited in the area, especially during emergency fire response. If you fly, we can't. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org