Pioneer Fire expands to over 20,000 acres

CHELAN—The Pioneer Fire burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has expanded to 20,348 acres as of Tuesday, July 16, according to fire officials. Containment remains at 14%, and 794 personnel are currently assigned to the incident.

Community meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, at 5:30 p.m. at Manson High School and Thursday, July 18, at 6 p.m. at the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin. The Manson meeting will also be streamed live on the Pioneer Fire Information Facebook page.

Firefighters have made progress in protecting structures and infrastructure in Stehekin and Manson through strategic firing operations, hose lays, and sprinkler system improvements. Crews continue to construct contingency lines along Cooper Ridge and are expected to finish a hand line from Cooper Ridge down to Lake Chelan.

New resources are arriving daily to replace those timing out, including handcrews, falling modules, and single resource personnel. Heavy helicopters are providing aerial support, dropping water on the fire and delivering equipment and provisions to firefighters on the line.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a closure order for much of the fire area, and a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire. Drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

Evacuation levels 1, 2, and 3 remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. The high-pressure ridge responsible for above-average temperatures and low humidity is expected to move out of the area today, with a 20% chance of dry lightning on Wednesday.

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.

For the latest updates on the Pioneer Fire, the public can visit the official Facebook page.