WASES Pioneer

Last updated: 2024-07-30

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The type of incident is Wildfire and involves the following unit(s) Southeast Region-Department of Natural Resources.

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State: Washington

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Coordinates:

Latitude: 48° 10 57 Longitude: 120° 31 51

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NOTE: All fire perimeters and points are approximations.

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Incident Overview: On June 8th, the Pioneer Fire was reported burning on private land 31 miles northwest of Chelan and quickly spread onto US Forest Service land, including wilderness. Fire managers are using a full-suppression strategy to protect private property, public infrastructure, and natural and recreation resources, while minimizing risks to responders and the public. Part of the rationale for a full-suppression strategy is that the origin of the fire was on private land, and it is suspected to have been human-caused. Fire managers are contracting with area businesses to support opportunities of local economy. The communities of Chelan, and Manson are open and continue to welcome visitors. Initial attack resources attempted direct tactics early on, but were challenged by the extremely steep and remote terrain on the east side of Lake Chelan that can only be accessed by boat or air. Full suppression efforts are being implemented utilizing a combination of direct, indirect, and point protection where the highest probability of success can be safely achieved. Firefighters continue to establish firelines and hose lays, working in conjunction with water-dropping aircraft.While much of the fire area is within wilderness, if the fire were to spread significantly, it could affect population centers. Crews are actively assessing structures around Lake Chelan and completing structure protection actions to increase defensibility. Chelan County is continually updating evacuation levels as fire activity changes. Please see the ‘Announcements’ tab for current information by area.The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for the area around Pioneer Fire. Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (National Park Service) has also issued a closure order for Lakeshore Trail from Stehekin to Flick Creek Campsite, and for Flick Creek Campsite. The Pacific Crest Trail is open; however, facilities may be closed due to evacuation levels. Please see the ‘Closures’ tab for more information.