State resources arrive to aid Pioneer Fire battle in Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest

STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has grown slightly to 30,667 acres as of Tuesday, with containment remaining at 14%, fire officials reported.

Despite challenging weather conditions on Monday, including lower humidity and gusty winds from a passing cold front, fire growth was minimal. However, fire managers warn that pockets of heat persist and could flare up in the coming days, particularly within the East Fork of Prince Creek drainage, Fish Creek drainage, and around Cub Lake.

State Fire Assistance resources have arrived in Stehekin to bolster firefighting efforts. These additional personnel are focusing on implementing structure protection plans and enhancing fire resilience for local structures and infrastructure.

On the fire's northern edge, crews are constructing a 'check' line just south of Flick Creek, tying into natural rocky features. Fire officials caution that while this line may delay fire progression along the lakeshore, it is not expected to completely halt the fire's advance due to heavy downed fuels and inaccessible terrain upslope.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Tuesday, with gusty winds and low humidity expected to create critical fire weather conditions. Fire behavior analysts anticipate active fire behavior and interior flare-ups with intense heat, potentially producing visible smoke columns.

Firefighters from the Pioneer Fire also responded to several new wildfire starts in the area on Monday, demonstrating the ongoing fire risk in the region.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders remain in place around the Pioneer Fire. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has maintained its closure order for much of the fire area, and a Temporary Flight Restriction is still active.

Fire officials have scheduled community meetings to update residents: Tuesday at 5 p.m. in Stehekin at the Golden West Visitor Center, and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Manson at the Manson High School. The Manson meeting will be streamed live on the Pioneer Fire Information Facebook page.

As the Pioneer Fire continues to challenge containment efforts, officials urge residents to stay informed, adhere to all evacuation orders and forest closures, and remain vigilant in the face of ongoing fire danger.