Evacuation notices issued for several areas
by Dennis Rahm, photos by Jenna Rahm
Efforts were continuing Tuesday evening to try and gain control of a fast moving wildland fire near Chelan that was spotted in the Stayman Flats area. Multiple agencies responded quickly including the Chelan, Manson and Entiat Fire Districts.
Firefighting efforts have included air support in the form of helicopters, scooper planes and air tankers. As aircraft are gathering water from Lake Chelan and the Columbia River, boaters are advised to stay far away from the working aircraft.
Due to the quick moving nature of the fire, evacuation notices were changing quickly throughout the afternoon. As of 5 pm Tuesday, A Level 3 “Leave Now” notice was in effect for Hawks Meadow Road, Hawks Ridge Road, Downie Creek Road, Chelan Butte, Little Butte and Butte Ranch Road. Level 3 is also in place for Chukar Run, Dove Hollow Road, Big Sage Lane and Columbia Rim Road.
Later on Tuesday, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 advisory for the city of Chelan, Waterslide Drive and surrounding areas.
Chelan County Emergency Management also reports that an evacuation center is being opened for people affected by the fire at the United Methodist Church in Chelan at 206 North Emerson Street.
No cause for the fire has been announced. LakeChelanNow will update this story as more information becomes available.
