Two fires hold near Ruby as weekend weather turns risky

Two lightning-sparked fires burning about 11 miles east of Ruby are holding steady for now, but this weekend's weather could tip either way. The Big Fire, at 257 acres, is only 10% contained, while the nearby Cecil Fire is in better shape at 70% containment and 724 acres. Neither is threatening Ruby or the Native allotments nearby, and crews are working both, chasing down hotspots along the perimeter before the heat builds.

The forecast is the wildcard. If slow-moving thunderstorms develop, they could drop welcome rain on the fires — but if the storms miss, crews are looking at temperatures back into the 70s, bone-dry humidity, and outflow winds of 30 to 40 mph, the kind of conditions that can push a fire fast. It's uncertain enough that 12 smokejumpers were pulled off the Big Fire Thursday to stage for new fires expected as the whole state heats up.

Smoke hasn't hit Ruby hard so far, but residents — especially elders, kids, and anyone with heart or lung trouble — should stay alert if it drifts in.