July 31 North Cascades Fires Update

Contact: Public Affairs Office

The Olympic, Crow Peak, and Apache Kid Wildland Fire Modules continue structure protection operations in the Hozomeen area on the Border 2 Fire (estimated 3,500 acres). Fire managers are coordinating and in tight communications with British Columbia Wildfire Service on the fire along the US/Canada border. Yesterday, there was active fire behavior until late in the evening when a heavy smoke inversion settled in, minimizing fire activity.

Firefighters continue to be assisted by Air Attack and four Scoopers utilizing aerial delivered water when weather and smoke conditions permit to slow fire progression. Elevated fire weather conditions are expected today with warmer and drier weather and minimal relative humidity. Cooler temperatures and a slight chance of moisture over the fire area are expected over the weekend before the return of hot and dry conditions at the beginning of next week.

This week fire activity increased on the Luna Fire (approx. 392 acres) due to hot and dry weather conditions. The fire remains north of McMillan Creek and west of Big Beaver Creek. Two Type-3 helicopters continue to support a suppression strategy. The lightning-caused Luna Fire started in a rock scree southwest of Luna Camp along Big Beaver Trail in steep, rough, and remote terrain.

Closures: For the Luna and Border 2 Fires, area, trail, and camp closures in place for public safety. For the full list of fire closures visit the park Fire Closures page.

Weather: Elevated fire weather conditions are expected today. A cooling pattern with a small chance of thunderstorms and minimal chances of moisture is predicted for the weekend before the return of elevated fire weather concern with warm and dry temperatures 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 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: A temporary flight restriction is in place for the fire area. 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.