Story Contains Video Footage of Aerial Firefighting Efforts

information released by US Forest Service August 19, 2021, 10:00 a.m.

The Twentyfive Mile Fire was first reported at 3:45 p.m. on August 15, 2021. The fire was initially burning on the south shore of Lake Chelan near Twentyfive Mile Creek and has expanded south and west of the area.

The fire is under joint jurisdiction of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Land Management and Chelan County Fire District 7.

Fire Facts:

  • Fire Information Line: 206-659-6472 (Daily from 8a.m. to 8p.m.)
  • Size: 9,800 acres
  • Total Personnel: 300+
  • Containment: 0%
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Structures Threatened: 772
  • Structures Lost: 1

A Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Escobar took command of the firefighting response at 6:00 a.m. August 16. Additional resources are continuing to arrive. The Southwest Type 1 (IC Sinclair) Incident Management Team have begun to arrive on scene and are expected to be briefed later this afternoon.

The fire continues to burn in timber, brush and grass. The fire size is estimated at 9,800 acres. Crews staffed the fire overnight and continued to reinforce structure protection lines. Overnight, crews were challenged by fire moving towards Lakeshore Road near the Twentyfive Mile drainage. Crews were able to engage the fire and prevent further movement toward the road and structures.

Moderate fire behavior is expected today as crews continue to work. Higher winds with strong gusts have the potential to increase fire activity. Today crews will work on constructing and reinforcing new containment lines. The fire may continue to move to the south and east.

Rotor and fixed-wing air resources will continue attack on the fire throughout the day. Aircraft may use local bodies of water, including Lake Chelan, to fill. Recreational boaters should be aware of aircraft takeoff and landings and keep a safe distance.

LakeChelanNow Video Footage Shot from on board the Lady Express

Evacuations: The most up-to-date evacuation information is available through Chelan County Emergency Management at the following links. Current evacuation levels remained in place overnight and will continue throughout the day. The Chelan County Sheriff will update evacuation levels as conditions warrant.
  • Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations for all properties north of Cove Marina on South Lakeshore Road, the area of Granite Falls Road and First Creek Road west of Lakeshore. Lakeshore Road is closed from Cove Marina north past the Twentyfive Mile drainage.
  • Level 2 (Get Set) from South from Cove Marina to Morning Sun Drive.
  • Level 1 (Get Ready) Lakeshore Road south of Granite Falls area.
  • Closures: A forest area closure has been issued in the Twentyfive Mile Creek area. Maps of the closure area are available here. All roads in the Level 3 area are closed to the general public including Lakeshore Road. Residents are asked to avoid travel on open areas of Lakeshore Road to make way for firefighting personnel and equipment.
  • Weather: Today’s forecast calls for widespread areas of smoke and haze. Winds light and variable in the morning, becoming moderate in the afternoon. Stronger wind gusts are possible in the afternoon.
  • Smoke Information: Lower temperatures are creating clearer skies, however, smoke and haze may develop later in the afternoon. Visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ for local air quality information.
  • Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness. Please contact local ranger district offices for more information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq