Pioneer Fire expands to 25,688 acres, firefighters bolster defenses around Stehekin

CHELAN — The Pioneer Fire burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Lake Chelan has grown to 25,688 acres as of Thursday, July 18, according to the latest update from fire officials. Containment remains at 14%, with 783 personnel currently assigned to the incident.

A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin. Firefighters have completed structural assessments near Stehekin and are expanding and strengthening handline and hose lays near the Stehekin Valley Ranch. Heavy helicopters will be working water bucket drops to limit fire spread across Hunts Creek, where firefighters are working on the ground to protect structures and infrastructure.

The Uncrewed Aerial System crew at Graham Harbor continues to monitor the Lone Fir drainage, using an infrared camera to identify any residual heat sources in the timber fingers around Canoe and Lone Fir Creeks that could reignite. Firefighters with heavy equipment are making progress improving the dozer line southward from Parrish Peak toward Cooper Corral Spring.

The National Park Service-North Cascades has expanded their list of closures, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire, with drone activity prohibited.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. A heat advisory is in effect, with clear skies, increased temperatures, and continuing low relative humidity. The air quality up lake is expected to be Unhealthy-to-Very Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, especially in the morning before clearing occurs.

The communities of Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin remain open to visitors. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to all evacuation orders and fire restrictions in place.