Small Fires Started by Lightning Storm

Residents are Asked to Report Anything that Looks Like Fire or Smoke

by LakeChelanNow

Updated, 2:30 p.m., 8/17/18

A second fire was reported on Chelan Butte today. Mark Donnell, Deputy Fire Chief at Chelan Fire & Rescue indicated that the fire likely had been smoldering from the earlier lightning storm and flared up as temperatures rose and winds picked up. Engines were dispatched to provide precautionary structure support for residents along Chelan Falls and Chelan Butte Roads. Air support provided water drops, and the couple-acre fire was in mop up mode around 2 p.m.

Updated, 10:45 a.m., 8/17/18

Mark Donnell, Deputy Fire Chief at Chelan Fire & Rescue has good news to report on the Butte Fire. The small, slow moving fire on the backside of Chelan Butte was initially diffused by the rain accompanying this morning’s lightning storm. DNR crews made quick work of what remained and firefighters are now in mop up mode.

The one remaining fire reported this morning is located near Lone Pine Fruit Stand on Hwy. 97 in Douglas County. Earlier this morning a helicopter was requested to assist in fire fighting, but it is not known at this time whether it has arrived.

Donnell indicated a red flag weather warning is in place for today from 3:00 p.m. until midnight. He underscored the importance of everyone keeping an eye out for lightning strikes that may be dormant but could activate with the low humidity and wind gusts predicted for later this afternoon. “If you see something, call us,” he said.

He reiterated the comment made in the initial story below: “Don’t wait to report anything that may be smoke or fire,” he said. “It’s better to have the calvary coming and not need them, then to need them and not have them on the way.”

Initial Story, 7:00 a.m., 8/17/18

At least three small fires were sparked by the lightning and thunder storm that rolled through the Lake Chelan Valley early this morning.

Chelan Fire & Rescue responded to a fire in Union Valley. Fire Officials report the small fire was quickly contained and they are currently in mop-up.

Douglas County #4 responded to a brush fire reported near Lone Pine Fruit Stand on Hwy. 97. DNR has been assigned a fire which started on the back side of Chelan Butte. We will provide updated information on these two fires as it becomes available.

A fourth fire start, reported on the Little Butte Road, turned out to be a reflection, but Fire Officials encourage residents to call in anything that looks suspicious. “Better safe than sorry,” said one firefighter. “We would rather respond to a false alarm than not get a call at all.”

Firefighters also urge residents to keep a sharp eye out for any lightning strikes that may be smoldering in hidden locations. If you see smoke or flames, you are urged to call 911 and report it immediately. “The faster we can get equipment and fire fighters in position on a small fire, the better.”