Pioneer Fire expands to 29,994 acres, evacuation orders remain in effect

STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has grown to 29,994 acres, with containment remaining at 14%.

Northwest Incident Management Team 3, led by Incident Commander Lonnie Click, assumed command of the fire operations at 6:00 am. State fire assistance has been mobilized to support the Pioneer Fire, with Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorizing the mobilization of state firefighting resources under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.

Working with the community to strengthen fire resilience for structures and infrastructure in Stehekin and Manson remains a top priority for fire officials. The fire has crossed Hunts Creek on the northern flank and has been active in the upper East Fork of Fish Creek. Fire officials anticipate increased fire activity in the North Fork Fish Creek drainage. The south end of the fire is primarily confined to steep slopes above the lake shore between Canoe and Lone Fir Creeks, with little movement.

Firefighting efforts today will focus on strengthening protections around structures and resources near the fire perimeter. Crews will continue to stabilize roads that provide access for firefighters and heavy equipment in the Prince Creek area. Incoming weather could increase fire activity along Fish Creek, Hunt's Creek, Flick Creek, and Surprise Lake, with crews and aerial resources actively working to stifle fire activity in these areas.

Critical weather conditions continue to produce areas of very active fire behavior. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning through Monday at 8 p.m., and a Red Flag Warning is in place for hot, dry, and unstable conditions today. Temperatures will remain in the upper 90s to low 100s, with cooling expected early next week.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area, and a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.