Single Publication

The Pioneer Fire is burning within a mountainous and remote area on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Lake Chelan. Firefighters are using a full suppression response in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness to protect values at risk, life, and property, with firefighter and public safety as the primary objective. The communities of Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin are open and continue to welcome visitors. 

The mountains surrounding Lake Chelan are extremely steep and rugged and continue to challenge firefighters, as the terrain often climbs 1,500-3,000 feet per horizontal mile. Over the past three days, helicopters have hauled 8,000 lbs. of cargo, transported 85 passengers, and dropped 420,000 gallons of water. Additional boats are arriving daily to aid in the on-going transportation of personnel, food, and supplies. 

Yesterday, the fire continued to back down toward Fish Creek causing a spot fire across Meadow Creek that was quickly extinguished. Structure assessments are wrapping up and fuels reduction was completed around several Forest Service campgrounds. Heavy equipment and crews improved Forest Service Road 8200 for safer access. 

A strike team of five engines was transported via barge to Stehekin and crews completed road brushing up to Harlequin Bridge and plan to install hose lays and sprinkler systems as needed. Crews continue road brushing on Stehekin Valley Road to High Bridge today. 

An Interagency Hotshot Crew is in the area of Meadow Creek near the lake shore ready to take action near structures if the fire crosses Meadow Creek. Firefighters are setting up portable water tanks on Nelson Ridge and improving the water supply for fire suppression. Additional water handling supplies, hose, and sprinkler kits are being installed across multiple areas of the fire, including Camas Creek, and Emerson Acres into Mitchell Creek. Dozers and heavy equipment will continue contingency line work down from Cooper Mountain. 

WEATHER AND SMOKE: Temperatures again are in the mid-90s in the valley but with reduced winds. The air quality outlook can be found at https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Learn more about smoke at smokeready.org. The fire marshal issued fire danger ratings and restrictions; see https://t.ly/WLBds for more information. 

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES: Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire; please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area. Details and maps are available at: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure.   A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html.