Pioneer Fire burns nearly 33,000 acres near Chelan, WA

Level 3 Evacuations in effect for Pioneer Fire

A massive wildfire burning in Chelan County has prompted Level 3 Evacuations and is only 15% contained.

CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. - Evacuation notices remain in effect for the Stehekin community as the Pioneer Fire grows to nearly 34,000 acres.

The Pioneer Fire, which was sparked by what is believed to have been a structural fire near Lake Chelan on Saturday, June 8, has burned 33,761 acres and is 12% contained as of Saturday, August 3.

There are now 668 personnel working on battling the blaze.

On Monday, a daily update said there was minimal fire spread and crews were actively working to protect at-risk homes. A Facebook post from the Stehekin Ferry showed the smoke forming from the Pioneer Fire on Lake Chelan.

New Level 2 Evacuation notices for Stehekin began at 8 a.m. on July 25, according to North Cascades National Park Services. Though Level 2 does not require residents to leave immediately, all tourism-related visitors, campers and hikers must evacuate.

On Friday, Chelan County Emergency Management announced that about 130 people were safely evacuated from Stehekin by boat.

Keep reading to learn if your area is under a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 evacuation, and what each evacuation level means.

Evacuation levels due to the Pioneer Fire in Chelan County

Pioneer Fire Evacuation Map 7/29/24

Level 3 "GO NOW"

Areas from Hazard Creek to Safety Harbor
Stehekin Valley, including the Stehekin Landing to High Bridge, to just north of Moore Point

Level 2 "GET SET"

This extends through the Stehekin Valley, including the Stehekin Landing to High Bridge. Visitors must leave now.
Areas from Moore Point to Safety Harbor

Level 1 "GET READY"

Areas from Safety Harbor to Camas Creek

Photos from the DNR Vessel Mud Puppy, supporting the Pioneer Fire near Drop Point 16, across the lake from Manly Wham. July 22, 2024 Photo by Craig Inderwiesen, boat captain of the Mud Puppy. (Photo: InciWeb)

What is the boat schedule for the July 25 evacuations on Lake Chelan?

According to officials, the boat company will have transportation leaving Stehekin from the landing at its normal scheduled time on July 25.

Express will have a 12:30 p.m. departure and Liberty will have a 3:30 p.m. departure.

Due to fire conditions, the boat company will not be running day trips into Stehekin unless you have property on the area. The company says they will take care of rebooking tickets to another day. For further questions, email info@ladyofthelake.com.

What do Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Evacuation notices mean?

A Level 1 "GET READY" Evacuation notice means there is a fire in the area and residents need to stay alert.

A Level 2 "GET SET" Evacuation notice means there is a fire in the area that may threaten you or your family. In this time, you are encouraged to pack necessary belongings, plan your route, and prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

A Level 3 "GO NOW" Evacuation notice means a fire in your area poses an immediate threat to your safety. Residents are advised to evacuate immediately and do not delay.

To stay updated with the Pioneer Fire and Evacuation Levels, monitor the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map.