Containment estimated at 5%

information released by US Forest Service

Yesterday there was increased activity seen along the southeast corner of the fire in the Slide Ridge area. Super scooper aircraft were used extensively to help reduce the spread to south and east. Engines and crews continued efforts around impacted communities, identifying hazards around structures and extinguishing hotspots. Crews were able to go direct along the fire line east of Twenty-Five Mile creek, significantly reducing the threat of the fire continuing to back down the slope towards the private property and homes along South Lakeshore Road. The weather conditions did produce gusty outflow winds and lightning was observed in the area. Crews again maintained an overnight shift, reinforcing structure protection operations in and around properties and homes.

Today, heavy equipment and crews will construct direct dozer and handline in the vicinity of Twenty-Five Mile State Park both to the south and west. Along the southern and western edges of the fire, crews evaluate opportunities to prepare for strategic firing operations along Slide Ridge and Devils Backbone. Firefighters will continue to improve and secure containment lines in the vicinity of Grouse Mountain. Structure protection efforts will continue along South Lakeshore Road.

A flash-flood watch continues over the area as storms are expected through Saturday afternoon. The storms will increase the relative humidity and dampen fire behavior but continued gusty outflow winds will be present across the fire area.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.

  • Size: 9,641 acres – reduced acreage is due to more accurate mapping
  • Total Personnel: 441
  • Containment: 5%
  • Cause: Under investigation
  • Structures Threatened: 772
  • Structures Lost: 1

Overview

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.

Weather: Flash Flood Watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. A storm system will move through the region Friday night and Saturday, bringing cooler temperatures and widespread showers and thunderstorms Another system moves in Sunday, mostly staying to the north. This will bring the potential for relatively drier conditions, breezy/gust winds, and elevated fire weather concerns Sunday afternoon. Temperatures trend to near normal toward the middle and end of next week, with limited mountain shower chances Thursday

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.

Evacuation InformationEvacuation Area Maps 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.

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