Single Publication

Pioneer Fire Update

Thursday, June 13, 2024

CHELAN, Wash. – The Pioneer Fire is burning in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and on private land. Public and firefighter safety are the number one priority for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington DNR, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and Northwest Incident Management Team 13.

In coordination with fire managers, Chelan County Emergency Management has raised the evacuation level from Prince Creek north to Cascade Creek to Level 2 (Be Prepared). A Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order remains in place for the area around Rex Creek. Please visit https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies for the most current information on evacuations.

As firefighters maintain constructed handlines, hose lays, and sprinklers to protect structures along the lakeshore between Pioneer Creek and Rex Creek, fire officials are working to transport supplies to a Forward Operating Base camp at Lucerne. Crews will camp there, and meals, equipment and supplies will be provided. All personnel and supplies must be transported by boat, barge, or aircraft to the fire area.

Today, the structure protection group will work on establishing protection to homes/cabins from Moore Point to Canoe Creek, reducing ground fuels and creating defensible spaces around private property. Other fire crews are constructing handlines off the Lakeshore Trail to protect structures between Pioneer Creek and Rex Creek. Due to rugged, inaccessible terrain and the large amount of ground fuels, the fire will likely persist on the landscape for an extended duration.

Strategic water drops by aviation resources have helped to slow, but not stop, fire spread along the lake shore. On Wednesday, helicopters dropped 130,000 gallons of water on the fire in support of firefighters on the ground. More aviation resources are expected today, including a drone (Unmanned Aerial System) which will aid in reconnaissance.

Weather: Today will be warm and dry. A dry cold front is expected tonight, bringing cooler temperatures, but humidity levels will remain low, and winds could reach 25 mph. Cooler temperatures will continue over the weekend, with a very slight chance of precipitation.

Closures: A closure order is in effect for the Lakeshore Trail from Prince Creek to Moore Point and portions of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness for public safety. The closure includes Prince Creek, Cascade Creek, and Moore Point boat-in campgrounds. Stehekin-bound hikers can be dropped at Moore Point to begin their trip. The closure order and map are posted on the Forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd521011. 

SAFETY: Recreational boaters are asked to maintain space from aircraft utilizing Lake Chelan for water collection. Recreationists are asked to follow the forest closure orders for their safety and the safety of firefighters. Closure details can be found on the link provided above in the closures section. 

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Public information:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080

E-mail: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov 

Phone: 509-210-2926 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (7 days a week)

Washington Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/