Type 3 Interagency Management Team Fights Rocky Reach Fire

Photo taken Friday evening, used by permission from Lee Pfluger

Rocky Reach Fire Update: 7/14, 3:30 p.m. from an interagency media release.

The Rocky Fire started on Friday, July 13th and was reported to be 5 acres. It is now estimated to be over 300 acres and burning on the southwest flank of Burch Mountain, three miles northwest of Wenatchee. Earlier reports estimated the fire at close to 1,000 acres, when smoke was an initial visibility factor.

The fire started in the area near milepost 204 and Highway 97 A.  Chelan County Fire District #1 responded to the fire in unified command on the fire with State DNR, Washington DOT, and the Chelan County Sheriff’s office/ Emergency Management on Friday evening.

A Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team, the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team, has taken over management of the fire at 10:00 am Saturday morning. Kimiko Nalle is the Incident Commander.  The Incident Command Post is at the Sunnyslope Elementary School.

Road Closures: Highway 97-ALT has been reopened.  Please avoid the area and use Highway 97 on the Douglas County side to travel from Wenatchee to Chelan/Entiat.  If you must, please be aware of increased traffic from fire fighting vehicles. DO NOT SLOW OR STOP on roadway or shoulders.

Evacuation Advisories: A level 1 fire advisory notification is in effect for residences from milepost 204 north to Swakane Canyon Road, and including Swakane Canyon Rd. A level 1 fire advisory is also in effect for Burch Mountain Road and all connecting roads. Ohme Garden Road to include McMullan Rd. This remains a fire advisory to residents at this time.  Level 1 notification is a time for preparation.  Person’s with special needs, pets and livestock should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.   

Fire management agencies are currently monitoring the fire movement and will advise if evacuation levels need to be upgraded.  If Level 2 or Level 3 evacuation notifications become necessary, officials will use the AlertSense EAS notification system and door to door deputy notification to advise residents of the situation.

Fire Activity:  Active fire continues to burn in dry sagebrush and grass; the steep rugged terrain that is making the attack by ground crew difficult.

  • Saturday morning firefighters conducted a burn out along the west flank of the fire. Lack of road access on portions of the fire also presented challenges to the fire suppression effort.  Aerial resources were used to support the ground crews as needed with helicopter water bucket drops and retardant drops.   
  • 180 firefighters and 12 fire engines/tenders are involved in ground fire attack.  3 handcrews are on scene as well as 3 dozers, 2 medical units and various overhead. Officials are using helicopters and air tankers as well.
  • Public safety and the safety of firefighters is paramount. Firefighters will be moving equipment and personnel throughout the area to fight this fire. The public is asked to use extra caution when traveling around the north end of Wenatchee, Sunnyslope area and HWY 97.
  • Be aware that operating drones or UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) near a wildfire is illegal. Drones can shut down air operations. Suspended operations can place firefighters, residents, and property at risk.