Pioneer Fire remains at 12,265 acres

CHELAN—The Pioneer Fire remains at 12,265 acres with 14% containment as of Thursday, July 11. According to fire officials, firefighters continue to battle the blaze under difficult weather conditions.

A dry frontal passage on Wednesday brought strong, gusty winds to the area, causing increased fire activity in the Meadow Creek and Prince Creek drainages. The resulting smoke column was highly visible in the early evening, underscoring the fire's persistent threat.

Heavy aircraft played a crucial role, dropping 100,000 gallons of water to extinguish a spot fire and cool active burning areas. Additional helicopters conducted multiple missions, delivering supplies to firefighters in remote locations around Lake Chelan while providing aerial reconnaissance.

Despite challenging conditions, firefighters have made significant progress in protecting the community of Stehekin. Crews have nearly completed a four-mile hose lay along the Nelson Ridge contingency line and are working on determining hand line placement in difficult terrain extending to Lake Chelan.

Weather forecasts indicate a slight drop in temperatures to the mid-90s in the valleys, but high winds and low relative humidity continue to create conditions conducive to active fire behavior. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a closure order for much of the fire area, and various evacuation levels remain in effect.

A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin. Due to internet limitations, the meeting will be in-person only, providing residents with the latest updates on firefighting efforts and evacuation statuses.

The Pioneer Fire, which began on June 8, is believed to be human-caused, though the exact cause remains under investigation. With 818 personnel currently assigned to the fire, authorities continue to emphasize that the communities of Chelan, Manson, and Stehekin remain open to visitors, balancing economic concerns with ongoing safety measures.

As the firefight continues, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to all evacuation orders and fire restrictions in place.