'Transfer Fire' near Lake Chelan, WA: Evacuation orders lifted
WA wildfires update for Monday, July 13
A new wildfire has sparked in Washington, and while containment is improving on several other active fires, a Fire Weather Watch for central Washington could slow or even hinder firefighters' progress.
LAKE CHELAN, Wash. - All evacuation orders for the Transfer Fire in Chelan were lifted on Monday, July 13. The fire sparked on July 12, quickly enveloped dozens of acres on the eastern side of the Washington resort town, which briefly led to Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders.
This is one of many wildfires FOX 13 is monitoring in Washington as summer weather conditions trigger Red Flag Warnings.
Transfer Fire contained: Evacuation levels lifted
What we know:
According to Watch Duty, the transfer fire is now 100% contained after burning 35 acres. According to Chelan County Emergency Management, all evacuation levels are lifted.
(Watch Duty)
Highway US 97 is back open, but officials urge travelers to drive slowly and cautiously while fire personnel continue to work in the area. The highway was previously shut down in both directions from milepost 235 to 237 as firefighters worked to contain the wildfire.
Transfer Fire near Lake Chelan on July 12, 2026. (Source: ALERTWest)
Wildfire burns near Lake Chelan Health Hospital
Flames burned just behind the Lake Chelan Health Hospital and the Walmart north of it. There were helicopters deployed to assist firefighting and fire monitoring efforts on Sunday afternoon as well, according to Regional Captain Justin Roberts.
Transfer Fire spreads near local businesses
Chelan Hospital safe as wildfire burns nearby
The Transfer fire east of Chelan doubled to 40 acres in just one hour, forcing Level 3 evacuations as crews battle the blaze fueled by dry grass and wind.
Local perspective:
According to the DNR, the Transfer Fire started near the Walmart in Chelan at around 12:30 in the afternoon and quickly started spreading towards homes and businesses.
"All of a sudden, the air raid siren came on in downtown Chelan," said Serge Brown, Chelan resident.
Brown was on his way to do some shopping at Walmart when the Transfer Fire kicked up near the store.
"I come around the corner and see the mountainside on fire," said Brown.
As he pulled into the Walmart, he could see the hills near the town's garbage transfer station up in flames.
"I am amazed at how amazing, how incredible these firefighters are. They went at it," said Brown.
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Here's where WA wildfires are currently burning
A new wildfire has sparked in Washington, and while containment is improving on several other active fires, a Fire Weather Watch for central Washington could slow or even hinder firefighters' progress.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the Chelan County Sheriff's Office and Watch Duty's incident page for the Transfer Fire.