Single Publication

Pioneer Fire Update 

Friday, June 14, 2024

CHELAN, Wash. - Firefighters continue to build line and protect structures while fire managers develop a longer-term strategy for combating the Pioneer Fire, which is burning in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and on private land. 

Thursday, aviation resources flew missions to deliver 31 passengers into the fire zone and dropped 105,000 gallons of water to slow the fire’s movement and support firefighters on the ground. Aerial operations consisted of supply drops, logistical assessments, cargo deliveries, and reconnaissance. A hotshot crew was inserted into Moore Creek to assist with protecting inholdings. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. This applies to all aviation types, including drones. Due to rugged, inaccessible terrain and the condition of ground fuels, the fire will likely persist on the landscape for an extended duration.

To the north, the fire is moving along Cascade Creek and approaching Skookum Puss Mountain. A spot fire crossed Rex Creek but did not establish itself. Lakeshore Trail and handlines are holding and may be used as a perimeter for tactical firing operations to secure fire lines if conditions allow.

Today, a Roads Group will begin the work necessary to improve the Grade Creek Road (8200 Road) and prepare it for vehicular access. This will include the use of heavy equipment.

Weather: Today will be breezy and cooler. A low-pressure system will move in Saturday, bringing colder temperatures, with lows in the 30s and 40s and a possibility of snow above 4,500 feet elevation. Although there is a 60 percent chance of precipitation on Saturday, precipitation on the fire is not likely to exceed one-tenth of an inch. 

Evacuations: A Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order is in place for the area around Rex Creek and extends up lake to Hunts Bluff, including the Moore Point area and campground. A Level 2 (Be Prepared) evacuation order is in place for Hunts Bluff up lake to the Flick Creek campground. Level 1 (Be Aware) evacuation orders are in place from Flick Creek Campground to Flick Creek proper. Down lake, Level 1 evacuation orders are in place from the Rex Creek evacuation area to Canoe Creek. Please visit https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies for the most current information on evacuations.

Closures: A public safety closure order is in effect for the Lakeshore Trail from Prince Creek to up lake to the trailhead at Stehekin and portions of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. Moore Point campground and the entire Lakeshore Trail are now closed. The closure includes Prince Creek, Cascade Creek, and Moore Point boat-in campgrounds. The closure order and map are posted on the Forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd521011. An interactive map of the closure area can be found at https://arcg.is/0Wbivn.

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. 

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/