Pioneer Fire continues to challenge firefighters as cooler temperatures limit spread; public meeting planned for Stehekin residents

CHELAN — The ongoing battle against the Pioneer Fire in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area saw some relief on Friday as cooler temperatures limited the fire's spread, allowing firefighters to focus on point protection efforts. The fire, which has consumed 1,998 acres since its start on June 8, continues to burn in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and on private land.

A public meeting is being planned for Tuesday to brief residents in Stehekin about the current situation and firefighting efforts. Additional details will be shared as they become available, but the meeting will not have a virtual option at this time.

Incident Commander Brian Gales of Northwest Incident Management Team 13 reported that tactical firing operations, aided by an unmanned aerial system (UAS), reinforced handlines along Lakeshore Trail around Rex Creek. Crews are expected to continue mopping up these areas today.

Strategic water drops from the aviation branch, consisting of four Type 1 helicopters, two Type 2 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter, are supporting suppression efforts on both the north and south flanks of the fire. These resources will also assist in delivering critical logistical supplies to ground crews.

Firefighters are making progress on structural protection efforts between Prince Creek and Canoe Creek, with a second hotshot crew being inserted today to bolster protection of structures and recreation infrastructure between Meadow Creek and Moore Creek.

On Thursday, aviation resources logged an impressive 26 hours of flight time, transporting 50 passengers, dropping 54,000 gallons of water, and delivering 12,000 pounds of cargo to support the 298 personnel currently assigned to the fire.

Water tenders and graders are working to improve the Grade Creek Road (8200 Road) to provide better access to historic containment lines being evaluated for long-term containment strategies.

A cold front has brought unseasonably cooler temperatures to the region, with highs in the 50s and low relative humidity around 40 percent expected today. Breezy conditions persist, bringing a slight chance of precipitation, though no more than 1/10 of an inch of moisture is expected to fall on the fire.

Evacuation orders remain in place, with Level 3 (Go Now) orders for the area from Rex Creek to just north of Moore Point, Level 2 (Be Prepared) orders from north of Moore Point to Flick Creek Campground, and Level 1 (Be Aware) orders up lake from Flick Creek Campground to Fourmile Creek camping area and down lake from Rex Creek to Canoe Creek.

A public safety closure order is in effect for the Lakeshore Trail from Prince Creek to the trailhead at Stehekin and portions of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness, including the closure of Moore Point, Prince Creek, Cascade Creek, and Moore Point boat-in campgrounds.

Authorities remind the public that a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area, applying to all aviation types, including drones. Recreational boaters are asked to maintain a safe distance from aircraft utilizing Lake Chelan for water collection, and the public is urged to adhere to forest closure orders for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters working to contain the blaze.