UPDATE: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. – 97-A Reopens Between Entiat and Wenatchee
Photo taken Friday night, courtesy of Chelan County Public Works
Update: 7/14 afternoon: Hwy. 97-A is now open. Travelers are urged to drive with extreme caution when in the area. Do not stop or pull over. Drivers and Boaters be advised that Aircraft are taking water from the Columbia River.
Update: 7/14 morning: The fire near Rocky Reach Dam started on the west side of Hwy. 97-A around 8 o’clock Friday night and expanded quickly due to wind, coupled with hot and dry conditions. US 97-A was closed between Wenatchee and Entiat overnight, and according to Trooper Jeff Anderson of the Washington State Patrol, the highway will remain closed indefinitely with no estimated time of reopening at this point.
Central Washington Interagency Communication Center reports Saturday morning the fire has rapidly grown to about 1,000 acres, burning grass and brush in the draws between Swakane Canyon and Burch Mountain. As of Saturday morning there were about 100 firefighters on scene with additional personnel expected to arrive today, including air resources.
Level 1 evacuation notices were sent to homes and businesses in the specific area of the fire, as well as north to and including Swakane Canyon. CWICC reports no structures are in immediate danger. The Highway closure is from Milepost 202 to Milepost 214 and Highway 97 is the alternate route.
Lake Chelan Now’s friends and neighbors posted updates, dramatic photos and videos onto our facebook page throughout the night. If you aren’t currently following us, we encourage you to join our facebook family.
LCN will update this story and our social media posts as new information is received.
