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

NCW News
Neighborhood media

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

A public meeting is planned for Tuesday to inform Stehekin residents of 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, Northwest Incident Management Team 13, reported that tactical fire operations, aided by an unmanned aerial system (UAS), reinforced handlines along the Lakeshore Trail, around Rex Creek. Crews are expected to continue cleaning 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 the north and south flanks of the fire. These resources will also help provide critical logistical supplies to ground teams.

Firefighters are making progress in their efforts to protect structures between Prince Creek and Canoe Creek, with a second surge crew being deployed today to increase protection of structures and recreational infrastructure between Meadow Creek and Moore Creek.

On Thursday, aviation assets 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 suppliers and graders are working to improve Grade Creek Road (8200 Road) to provide better access to historic containment lines being evaluated for long-term containment strategies.

A cold front brought unusually cooler temperatures to the region, with highs in the 50s and low relative humidity of around 40 percent expected today. Windy conditions persist, bringing a slight chance of precipitation, although more than 1/10 inch of moisture is not expected to fall on the fire.

Evacuation orders remain in effect, with Level 3 (Leave 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 from Level 1 (Be Aware) ) command lake upstream from Flick Creek Campground to Fourmile Creek Campground area and the lake downstream from Rex Creek to Canoe Creek.

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, including the closure of boat access campgrounds at Moore Point, Prince Creek, Cascade Creek and Moore Point.

Authorities remind the public that a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire zone, applying to all types of aviation, including drones. Boaters are asked to maintain a safe distance from aircraft using Lake Chelan to collect water, and the public is asked to respect forest closure orders for their own safety and that of firefighters who are working to contain the fire.