La Conner Community News staff
Wildfire activity in the North Cascades has forced the closure of the northern end of the Pacific Crest Trail and prompted officials to ask hikers and campers to leave the Harts Pass area immediately.
The Ptarmigan Fire, burning about 25 miles northwest of Mazama near the U.S.-Canada border, had grown to 10,841 acres as of Monday. The fire, first reported July 17, has closed the Pacific Crest Trail from Methow Pass to its northern terminus at the Canadian border, including the Harts Pass area. Agency staff are sweeping the trail to notify hikers of the closure. An expanded closure order is expected soon, though the area is already being treated as closed. Existing closures also include trails east of the PCT, including portions of the Pacific Northwest Trail.
Meanwhile, firefighters continue working to contain the Border 2 and Luna fires burning within North Cascades National Park.
The Border 2 Fire is estimated at 1,255 acres and remains about 0.8 miles from Hozomeen on Ross Lake. Fire crews have reduced vegetation around infrastructure, installed water delivery systems and are preparing for possible defensive firing operations if conditions worsen. Helicopters and scoop aircraft continue aerial water drops when weather allows.
The nearby Luna Fire is estimated at 330 acres and continues to burn east of Big Beaver Creek under a full suppression strategy.
Trail, campground and area closures remain in effect around both fires. Park officials expect cooler, more humid weather through Tuesday before warmer, drier conditions return later this week.
Campfires remain banned throughout North Cascades National Park, and drones are prohibited near wildfire operations. Visitors should also expect smoky conditions, particularly around Ross Lake.
