Evacuations updated for WA's Labor Mountain, Lower Sugarloaf fires

Washington wildfires continue to grow in Chelan County

Wildfires in Chelan County are rapidly expanding, with the Labor Mountain Fire nearing 30,000 acres and the Lower Sugarloaf Fire surpassing 37,000 acres.

CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. - Chelan County officials are updating evacuation orders as fire behavior continues to evolve in the Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf fire areas. The changes come as transportation officials caution people traveling to Leavenworth to find alternate routes, as there is no estimation for when Highway 97 will reopen.

The outdoor burn ban in unincorporated Chelan County has now been extended until Oct. 15 as dry and smoky conditions persist in central Washington. "Your firefighters are busy right now – no time for more fires!," read a portion of the county's emergency management Facebook page.

What we know:

The state mobilized more personnel to assist local firefighters in response to the growing threat as September drew to a close. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state resources late Thursday, Sept. 25, at the request of Fire Chief Andy Lee of Chelan County Fire District 6.

>> Where are the fires in WA? Here's a map of the wildfires burning across the state

Some Level 3 evacuation orders, meaning residents need to leave now, were put into effect for areas in the county. The Lower Sugarloaf Fire spread south toward Cashmere, and the Labor Mountain Fire is spread east toward Blewett. Both fires sparked at the beginning of September.

Local authorities do not expect the flames to be out until winter snow arrives.

Bellevue (WA) Fire Department Fireline Photo Lower Sugarloaf Fire (InciWeb)

As of Tuesday, the Labor Mountain Fire was estimated at more than 35,000 acres and is still 7% contained, and the Lower Sugarloaf Fire has burned over 39,000 acres with 48% containment, up from 32% three days prior. 

The estimated cost for the Sugarloaf Fire is around $40 million and Labor Mountain Fire is estimated to continue soaring past $11.4 million.

Roads remained closed throughout the weekend as the fire continued to burn on both sides of the highway, according to WSDOT East. Low visibility due to smoke, fallen trees, and rockslides are the cause for closures in the area. 

Level 3 Evacuations

As of Tuesday, Sept. 30, Chelan County Emergency management says the Level 3 evacuation notices for the Labor Mountain Fire will remain in place. This includes the following areas: 

• Ingalls Creek and Valley Hi areas
• Mission Creek Road, south of Sand Creek

Level 2 & 1 Evacuations

As of Sept. 30, the following areas have been downgraded to a Level 2, meaning residents need to be prepared to leave:

• All of Nahahum Canyon
• Entiat River Road, from Dinkelman Canyon to Roaring Creek Road

Previously, on Sept. 28, fire advisories were removed for the Plain side of the fire, which is around the north end of Eagle Creek Road to FS Road 7510.

Level 1 Evacuations (Be Ready) are in effect for the area surrounding the Level 2 evacuation zones of Nahahum Canyon and Eagle Creek Road.

The area north of Mud Creek Road is no longer under a fire advisory.

Highway 97 over Blewett Pass will remain closed through this weekend. The Washington State Department of Transportation will reevaluate conditions on Monday.

Evacuation zones expand due to wildfires in Chelan County, WA

Overnight two wildfires in Chelan County exploded in size.

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