FIRE REPORT: Multiple large fires burning in WA, local incidents quickly controlled

CHELAN — The largest wildfire burning in Washington as of Saturday afternoon was the Pioneer fire which had burned about 4,700 acres on the eastern shore of Lake Chelan, near the Cascade Creek Hike-in Campground.

Evacuation orders remained in effect for a variety of areas near the fire at different levels. A Level 2 evacuation order is in place from the Flick Creek Campground south to Fir Creek, indicating those in the area should be prepared to evacuate. A Level 1 order, indicating those in the area should stay alert, was in place from the Flick Creek Campground to Safe Harbor. The Level 1 included the Fourmile Creek camping area. 

A U.S. Forest Service press release indicated that nine aircraft and 557 personnel were on hand to fight the fire. That includes personnel who are shuttling firefighters across the lake by boat to access the blaze and gain additional control of it. The fire is considered 7% contained and was first discovered June 8 and is thought to have been human-caused. An investigation is ongoing. 

Firefighters continue to patrol the areas in the fire perimeter that have structures to protect them.

The Gold Creek fire near Carlton was still burning as of Saturday. No evacuations were ordered at the time, but firefighters advised those in the area to leave if they felt uncomfortable with the situation. However, the fire is 100% contained and firefighting staff are on hand to mop up the fire and ensure it doesn’t restart. The fire burned about 280 acres in steep, rough terrain. The fire was reported on June 22 and is thought to have been caused by unspecified equipment being used in the area.

Locally, fires in Grant and Adams counties have remained small with most remaining under 100 acres and firefighters being able to respond quickly and bring the fires under control. Over the course of the Independence Day week, local firefighting agencies are asking the community to exercise extreme caution as they use fireworks or go camping for the holiday.

Multiple large fires have been reported across the Pacific Northwest, according to InciWeb. Those include fires in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

According to airnow.gov, the air quality in Grant and Adams counties was good as of Saturday. Those with respiratory concerns or allergies are encouraged to monitor air quality regularly and consult medical professionals with any questions.

    A fishing boat shuttles firefighters across Lake Chelan to fight the Pioneer fire.