NPS - National Park Service
08/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/10/2024 22:16
Colonial Creek Campground South Closure and Additional Fire Starts
Date:
August 10, 2024
Contact:Public Affairs
August 10, 2024
Contact:Public Affairs
Sedro Woolley, WA - Colonial Creek South Campground and boat launch are closed to manage visitor safety, firefighter access, and emergency response in conjunction with firefighting efforts on the Ruby Fire.
Ruby Fire, estimated at 500 acres, is staffed with a Type 3 Incident Commander, a hotshot crew, and a wildland fire module. A Type 3 Incident Command Team arrives on Sunday, August 11. The fire burned actively today and was supported by two Fire Bosses dropping water until they were diverted to other needs in the area. Firefighters set up sprinklers to protect a bridge along Thunder Creek Trail.
Two additional fires were detected following abundant lightning with minimal precipitation that moved through the area on Friday. The Riprap Fire, estimated at 1/10 acre is burning on Sourdough Mountain. The Pierce Fire, estimated at 1 acre, is burning on Pierce Mountain. Both fires were supported with aerial delivered water throughout the day. Crews will assess the fires and prioritize with the resources available.
Fire personnel continue to monitor the area for additional fire starts from recent and predicted storms throughout the area.
Firefighting resources remain limited due to the quantity and complexity of incidents in the region. As of July 18, the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) elevated the National Fire Preparedness Level to a PL5, the highest on the scale.
There are additional area, trail, front and backcountry campground, and cross-country zone closures due to fire activity across the area. Park closure information can be found on the park's Fire Closures page.
Visitors should be aware of fire restrictions in all areas of the park complex. Campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex - North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley. If you see smoke or flames dial 911 or report to a park information or visitor center.