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Pioneer Fire Update for Monday, June 24, 2024

CHELAN, Wash. — The Pioneer Fire is burning in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area in the Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and on private land 31 miles northwest of Chelan.  Stehekin, Chelan and Manson are open and continue to welcome visitors. 

Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 13 would like to thank the communities, businesses and agencies of Chelan County for their support over the past two weeks. 

Today, Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 7 will shadow NW13 to exchange critical information and review current operation and plans. At 6 a.m. Tuesday, NW 7 will assume command of the Pioneer Fire.

While short-term operations to protect homes, outbuildings and federal infrastructure were being implemented, fire managers have been developing a long-term strategic plan to provide a seamless transition. This plan spans almost the entire north shore of Lake Chelan, from Stehekin down lake to Manson.

The fire is holding between Meadow Creek on the north end and Prince Creek to the south, backing slowly into both drainages. Backing is when a fire moves downslope.

To the north of the fire area, crews are continuing to hold and improve protection systems around Moore Point and lines extending from Fish Creek Trail to the rock outcropping on Moore Mountain.

Firefighters are working on protecting critical values at risk and infrastructure along the lakeshore from Moore Point up lake to Stehekin, and cleaning up historic contingency lines around the community.

Down lake, firefighters are patrolling homes and structures within the fire perimeter at Rex Creek and Pioneer Creek. Additional resources are positioned to defend Prince Creek and Canoe Creek should the fire move that direction.

Fire personnel in the Contingency group are preparing to implement a secondary line around Oss Peak.

A six-vessel boat group is continuously shuttling firefighters, equipment and supplies back and forth between Chelan, Lucerne, Stehekin and the fire area.

As fire activity did not require water drops Sunday, two Type 1 helicopters were loaned to the Gold Creek Fire suppression effort. Helitack crews were inserted into Pioneer Creek and Lucerne.

Safety: More resources and equipment are working within the Grade Creek Road (8200) system. Motorists should expect 30-minute delays. 

Smoke & Air Quality: Check current air quality conditions at https://bit.ly/PioneerFireSmoke. Learn more about health impacts and becoming Smoke Ready at smokeready.org.

EVACUATIONS: Evacuation levels have not changed since Sunday, June 16. Please visit County of Chelan, Washington for the most current information on evacuations.

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