State mobilizes resources to support local firefighters battling the Pioneer Fire

STEHEKIN —State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Pioneer Fire near Stehekin, according to a press release from the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office.

The Pioneer Fire, which started on June 8, has now burned an estimated 26,407 acres and continues to grow. The fire is burning in timber, grass, and brush, threatening critical infrastructure, utilities, and a primary egress route. Level 1 evacuations are currently in effect.

"State firefighting resources were mobilized on July 20, at 3:30 p.m., at the request of Fire Chief Robert Nielsen, Chelan County Fire District 10," stated the press release.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated to Level 2, partial activation, to coordinate state assistance for the fire. One wildland task force has been ordered, and a Type 2 Incident Management Team currently manages the fire.

The cause of the Pioneer Fire remains under investigation. The Fire Protection Bureau is coordinating the dispatch and administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization.

The State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan is implemented to quickly assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment, and other resources from around the state when local jurisdictions are overwhelmed by fires or other disasters.