July 17 North Cascades Fires Update

Contact: NOCA Public Affairs Office

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. - Two additional fires have been discovered within North Cascades National Park Service Complex following recent lightning storms across the area this week. The Border 1 Fire (approx. 1 acre) and Border 2 Fire (approx. 0.25 acre) are in close proximity to one another, south of the U.S./Canada border and east of Ross Lake, in steep, rocky, and remote terrain. Aerial delivered water by a Type-1 helicopter will support both fires as weather conditions allow. The Olympic Wildland Fire Module arrives today to continue additional suppression efforts.

On the Luna Fire (22 acres), the Warm Springs Wildland Fire module demobed and the Mission Valley Suppression Module was inserted earlier this week to continue suppression efforts. Firefighters are being supported by a Type-3 helicopter and a Type-1 helicopter using aerial delivered water as weather conditions allow.

Closures: A portion of the Luna Cross-country Zone is closed in the McMillan Creek drainage area. Closures are in place to protect the public. Visitors should be aware of fire activity and check the park Fire Closures page prior to a visit for up-to-date area, trail, and camp closure information.

Weather: Scattered thunderstorms and possible gusty and erratic winds over the mountains through late Thursday evening. A hotter and drier weather pattern will return on Friday through early next week.

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