Chelan County declares state of emergency in response to Lake Chelan area wildfire

CHELAN COUNTY — Chelan County has declared a state of emergency in response to a wildfire burning on Lake Chelan's north shore, which has consumed over 1,700 acres since June 8.

Commissioner Kevin Overbay, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, signed the resolution on June 14 after consulting with public safety officers and Chelan County Emergency Management. Commissioners Tiffany Gering and Shon Smith are set to sign the formal resolution on June 17 during the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting.

The emergency declaration allows commissioners to utilize local resources without adhering to the standard government bidding process for goods and services. It is also a necessary step for securing most state and federal recovery assistance funding.

The cause of the wildfire, which started approximately 31 miles up lake from the city of Chelan, is currently under investigation. As of Friday afternoon, the fire remains uncontained and has prompted various evacuation levels, including a Level 3 evacuation (leave immediately) in the Rex Creek area extending north of Moore Point. The U.S. Forest Service has also closed several trails and campgrounds affected by the fire on the north shore as it continues to burn up lake toward the community of Stehekin.

Residents are advised to monitor the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page and the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map for updates on evacuation levels and fire progression.