Chelan deputies handle three rescues and a 2,000-acre pioneer fire

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reports conducting several rescue operations over the weekend.

Deputies boated up Lake Chelan to rescue hikers near the Pioneer Fire along the lakeshore.

An injured hiker was also airlifted from Alpine Wilderness.

Additionally, deputies say crews pushed themselves back into the side of a cliff to rescue a stranded dog.

Chelan County Emergency Management is also working with federal and state agencies to manage the Pioneer Fire.

A social media post from the sheriff’s office said: “It is an honor to serve Chelan County. We remain “of the people.” For the people “.

The Pioneer Fire itself is burning in the Chelan-Sawtooth Lake Wilderness Area in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, as well as on private lands.

It burned about 2,000 acres (1,998 acres) Saturday night, up from 1,756 acres Friday.

A public meeting is planned for Tuesday to inform Stehekin residents. The fire moved toward the town on the north end of Lake Chelan.

Cooler temperatures limited the spread of the fire Friday, although strong winds were present Saturday.

The Department of Natural Resources says seven helicopters are now dumping buckets of water on the fire. The ground team fighting the fire now numbers around 300 people.

The DNR says air assets transported 50 passengers, 54,000 gallons of water and 12,000 pounds of cargo.

The passengers were additional crew members joining the ground response team.

Water suppliers and graders worked to improve Grade Creek Road (8200 Road). The road improvements are intended to provide better access to containment lines that are being considered for long-term containment.

Trail closures: A public safety closure order is in effect for the Lakeshore Trail from Prince Creek to the trailhead in Stehekin and parts of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. Moore Point Campground and the entire Lakeshore Trail are now closed. The closure includes the Prince Creek, Cascade Creek and Moore Point boat launch campgrounds. The closures will remain in effect until October 1.

Evacuations: A Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation order is in place for the area from Rex Creek to north of Moore Point. A Level 2 Evacuation Order (Be Prepared) is in place just north of Moore Point up to and including Flick Creek Campground. Level 1 (Caution) evacuation orders are in place upstream of the lake from the Flick Creek Campground to and including the Fourmile Creek Campground area. Downstream of the lake, Level 1 evacuation orders are in place from Rex Creek to and including Canoe Creek.

There are less than a handful of cabins and cabins in the area.