Pioneer Fire Update - June 11, 2024 - Lake Chelan News and Information

Fire burning in steep and remote terrain is now estimated at 600 acres

information released; photo taken the morning of June 11

Firefighters and aircraft continue their efforts on the Pioneer Fire, now estimated at 600 acres. The fire started on Saturday June 8 and is situated in steep and remote terrain approximately 31 miles northwest of Chelan, Washington, near the north shore of Lake Chelan.

The fire’s remote location and steep terrain pose unique challenges to containment efforts and logistics. Crews and supplies are accessing this remote part of Lake Chelan by boat.

Five crews, comprising approximately 100 firefighters, are engaged on the fire.

Crews have made progress in establishing hose lines and are working to dig containment lines. Multiple aircraft remain in operation, providing consistent water drops to support ground efforts.

Given the complex terrain and current fuel conditions, the fire may persist on the landscape for an extended duration. Additionally, a forecasted wind event on Tuesday afternoon may present significant challenge to firefighting efforts. Crews are working to reinforce existing fire lines in anticipation of this weather event.

Today’s forecast for the fire area includes sunny conditions with a high near 66. Windy conditions are expected, with a north wind of 9 to 14 mph becoming northwest at 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.

Recreational boaters are asked to provide ample space to aircraft utilizing Lake Chelan for water collection.

The cause of the fire, which is suspected to originate from a structural 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.

The Northwest Team 13 Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) is on scene and will assume command of the fire on the morning of Wednesday June 12.

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.