Single Publication

Pioneer Fire Update for July 26, 2024  
Incident Commander Lonnie Click  
Complex Incident Management Team Northwest 3   
(541) 861-5808, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

Quick Facts   
Size: 31,906 acres   
Start Date: June 8, 2024   
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA   
Containment: 14%   
Personnel: 766   
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation  
Resources Assigned: 12 crews, 5 helicopters, 24 engines, 28 water tenders, 12 heavy equipment

CURRENT SITUATION:  Along the lakeshore, fire activity moderated yesterday, and helicopters dropped water to further slow fire spread. Crews continued strategic firing operations around homes and outbuildings around DP 17 near Flick Creek and patrolled the area to ensure no heat remained from previous firing operations. In Stehekin, firefighters continued to improve the fireline around the community, and working in coordination with state mobilized resources, put in a sprinkler system and tested it. The southern edge of the fire continues to hold in Lone Fir Creek and crews continued to work on the indirect contingency lines south of the fire.

Logistics on the Pioneer Fire take an extra level of coordination given the remote communities and access. Firefighters on the north and lakeshore fire areas are being supported by boats to transport them to the fire area and bring firefighting supplies. In addition, fire management is working with local businesses in Stehekin to provide meals and other support for crews working in that area. 

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Suppression and containment efforts will continue across the Pioneer Fire today. Along the northwest perimeter of the fire, firefighters are preparing to conduct additional strategic firing operations to burn out vegetation between the line and active fire.  Drones may be used in this effort and firefighters will work through the night to patrol the area and support potential firing operations. Helicopters will provide water drops to cool the fire and limit spread. In Stehekin, fire crews will continue improving the constructed fireline around the community and coordinating with the state mobilized structure protection group working around homes and private property. South of the fire, crews will be clearing and improving roads near Gold Creek and Oss Peak.

WEATHER: Today warmer and drier conditions will return, with high temperatures in the mid-80s. Winds tomorrow will be lighter and mostly terrain driven, shifting to down lake or northwest in the evening.

EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.

FOREST CLOSURE: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080  
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM   
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov