Rain Helps Decrease Pioneer Fire Activity

Pioneer Fire Update: August 25, 2024

information released

CURRENT SITUATION: The Pioneer Fire received just over an inch of rain in the past two days decreasing visible fire activity. Yesterday firefighters engaged where safe to do so as significant rainfall saturated steep slopes increasing the risk for rock and debris fall. Firefighters continued chipping debris from roadside vegetation work in the Stehekin area. Along the lakeshore, crews worked on backhauling excess equipment. South of the fire near Manson resources conducted road repair work from fire traffic as well as chipping and mastication of remaining vegetation debris.

Stehekin is now open to visitors. Many fire-related hazards remain in the area and services may be limited or altered. Additionally, many trails and campgrounds remain closed due to these hazards. Visitors should confirm available services before traveling.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: If weather conditions are favorable, firefighters will conduct an aerial patrol of the fire to ensure it remains within its current footprint. Helicopters may also be used to assist in backhauling excess equipment from remote locations.

Firefighters will monitor the check line and handline along Little Boulder Creek and Boulder Ridge on the ground and with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). In Stehekin, resources will ensure roadways remain clear as the chance for rock and debris fall remains. Backhaul of excess equipment will occur around the fire including along the lakeshore, around Safety Harbor and in the Stehekin area. Crews south of the fire near Manson will continue to repair roads from fire traffic and remove vegetation debris from along roadsides.

WEATHER: A slight chance of rain is possible in the morning before decreasing clouds throughout the day. Temperatures will increase with another chance of rain possible Monday night.

EVACUATIONS: To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/media/index.html?appid=ca1e19e4123b4002a9fb176b25434e03/.

CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html.