Crews make progress on 25 Mile Wildfire

Photo courtesy of Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife



CHELAN, Wash. -- Crews working against the 2,098 acre wild fire near Manson, Wash., announced Thursday the fire was 70 percent contained.

Fire activity and smoke has significantly reduced since the fire began July 4. However, the fire is not considered controlled until the area receives significant rain due to a large amount of unburden fuel remaining in the area.

"There remains to be large pockets of un-burned green brush, grass and small trees within the fire area,"  Incident Commander Chad Schmidt.

Fire lines will remain in place until a significant amount of rain falls.

Isolated smoke may be visible from these pockets of fuel by residents and visitors to the south shore of Lake Chelan as well as from the Grade Creek Road north of the fire area. Visible smoke in the Chelan valley is minimal. Lake Chelan remains open to recreational and commercial boating. Businesses in the Manson, Chelan and Stehekin areas continue to welcome visitors.

A red flag fire warning is in effect through Thursday night for increasing winds and low relative humidity.