July 22 North Cascades Fires Update

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. - Fire activity has increased on Border 1 and Border 2 Fires due to elevated fire weather conditions over the last few days. With increased fire activity, Border 1 and Border 2 Fires have combined, now known as the Border 2 Fire (approx. 300 acres). The fire is burning in remote, steep, and densely forested and rocky terrain along the U.S./Canada border approximately 1.5 miles east of Hozomeen. The fire has crossed the international border into Canada and east onto Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands. The lightning-caused Border 2 Fire is being managed under a full-suppression strategy.

Yesterday, firefighters were assisted by numerous air resources utilizing an air attack aircraft, a scooper, a Type-2 helicopter and a Type-3 helicopter using aerial delivered water and providing air reconnaissance. Fire activity is expected to be elevated with predicted with hot, dry, and windy conditions over the next few days until cooler weather conditions return to the area.

A Type-3 Incident Commander arrives today and will take command of the Border 2 Fire tomorrow, Thursday, July 23. The fire will operate under a Type-3 Incident Management organization. An additional nine-person crew will arrive today and boat into the remote Hozomeen area on Ross Lake. The Olympic Wildland Fire Module continues structure protection for infrastructure and other values at risk. Firefighters will continue to be supported by an air attack aircraft, a scooper, a Type-2 helicopter and a Type-3 helicopter using aerial delivered water. The north end of Ross Lake is closed to recreational use; vessel and foot traffic across the U.S./Canada border is prohibited. Visitors recreating on Ross Lake should keep away from aerial resources utilizing the lake as a water source for firefighting suppression efforts.

There is minimal smoke visible from the Luna Fire (approx. 22 acres). The Mission Valley Suppression Module continues suppression efforts with the assistance of a Type-3 helicopter using aerial delivered water.

Closures: There are area, trail, and camp closures in place for public safety. For the full list of area, trail, and camp closures visit the park Fire Closures page. Closures are in place to protect the public.

Weather: Hot and dry conditions will continue across western Washington throughout most of the week. There is a potential for thunderstorms over high terrain on Thursday. Cooler conditions are expected Friday and into 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 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. 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.