Pioneer Fire Nearly Doubles, Expands to 1,172 Acres

Update June 12: Northwest Incident Management Team takes command of firefighting efforts

information released

Under the leadership of Incident Commander Brian Gales, Northwest Incident Management Team 13 (NWIMT13) assumed command of the Pioneer Fire at 6:00 A.M. today. NWIMT 13 is working closely with stakeholders to protect identified values at risk (private structures and National Forest assets) from negative impacts from the Pioneer Fire.

As was forecasted yesterday, a cold front moved through the fire area and contributed to fire growth, approximately 500 acres. Firefighters are utilizing the Lakeshore Trail and constructed handlines to continue successful point protection for structures along the lake shore between Pioneer Creek and Rex Creek. Aircraft continue to provide water drops in support of firefighters on the ground. On the Pioneer Fire, aerial resources (helicopter- and scooper plane- delivered water) have been utilized since the fire started. Even with the aviation support, the fire continues to burn through dry, dead, downed logs in areas inaccessible to firefighters. Given the complex terrain and current fuel conditions, the fire may persist on the landscape for an extended duration.

A support camp to meet the needs of firefighters working in remote and rugged locations uplake is being established at Lucerne. All personnel and supplies must be transported by boat or barge to the fire area. Firefighters are also conducting assessments for possible future indirect fire lines.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Individuals with information or photos pertinent to the fire’s early stages on June 8 are encouraged to contact Wildland Fire Investigator Bruce Long at bruce.long@dnr.wa.gov.

Evacuations:

Chelan County Emergency Management maintains Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation orders for the area around Rex Creek, and Level 1 (Be Ready) orders extending from Prince Creek north to Cascade Creek. Please visit https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies for the most current information on evacuations.

Closures:

A closure order is in process for the Lakeshore Trail from Prince Creek to Moore Point and portions of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. The closure will include Prince Creek, Cascade Creek, and Moore Point boat-in campgrounds. Stehekin-bound hikers can still be dropped at Moore Point to begin their trip. The final closure order, including a map, will be posted on the Forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd521011.

Safety:

Recreational boaters are asked to provide space from aircraft utilizing Lake Chelan for water collection. Recreationists are asked to follow the forest closure orders for their safety and the safety of firefighters. Closure details can be found on the link provided below.

Pioneer Fire Facts as of June 12, 2024

Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles northwest of Chelan, WA. The fire is burning in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the Chelan Ranger District and private land.
Cause: Human factor, under investigation
Fire size: 1,172 acres
Air assets: 4 aircraft
Total personnel: 164