Pioneer Fire | WA | August 9, 2024

INCIDENT SUMMARY | A wildfire broke out on private land about 10 miles southeast of Stehekin (Chelan) and 31 miles northwest of Chelan on Lake Chelan in Washington State that started on June 8, 2024.

This is a human-caused fire and is under investigation.

(L) Photo Credit: Inciweb

CURRENT STATUS | Due to increased temps and dry conditions, the fire has burned about 37,164 acres and has a 13% containment status.

Fire behavior has been observed as active with uphill runs, flanking, and backing.

According to Fire Officials, the fire has moved to the south side of Boulder Creek, progressing northeasterly and firmly entrenched in the 2010 Rainbow Bridge burn scar between Little Boulder Creek to the south and Rainbow Creek to the north. Crews will continue improving handlines around the area to prevent the fire from moving deeper into the community of Stehekin.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS | There are currently 655 total personnel along with five crews, seven helicopters, and 23 engines. Due to the remote, steep terrain and no roadway systems, personnel, equipment, and supplies are being transported by boat. Some supplies, meals, and other equipment are being dropped by helicopter into the area.

Here are some of the Incident Cooperators engaging directly with the fire, supporting those at the scene or from a distance, who have provided services or are involved whether directly or indirectly with this incident.

Map Credit: CPF&R

Central Pierce Fire | FF Lt. Weigley, Task Force Leader. He is overseeing boat operations from one of four harbors being used for this incident. According to his Fire Agency: “The firefighters on this deployment are utilizing 16 boats to shuttle crews, cargo, food, and supplies, traveling 25 miles up the lake daily. The Pioneer Fire has burned approximately 37,000 acres and is 12% contained.”

Photo Credit: CPF&R

Hoquiam Fire Department This fire agency has given their most recent up-to-date Sit Rep from those who are assigned to the incident, “Here’s an update on HFD’s mobilized resources. B1 is back in the station and ready for the next request. Paramedic Joe Harris has replaced Brian Linacre as the medic on the REMS team on the Pioneer Fire. Paramedic Marcus Turnquist has been serving as a line medic at the Retreat Fire, working alongside AFD’s John Vansyckle who is serving as a line EMT. Derek Jensen is leading another strike team at the Retreat Fire. And Captain Larissa Rohr is at the Wolf Fork Fire serving as a Base Camp Manager Trainee.”

Pioneer and Easy Fire Information

Photo Credit: Inciweb

This photo shows how along the lakeshore, firefighters provide structure protection which has point protection firelines around structures, and strategic firing tactics to burn off those lines. According to Fire Officials, this helps reduce brush and other flammable materials between the structures and the fire itself. This photo depicts a helicopter dropping water over the fire as it is heavily embedded in the steep terrain as you can see.

Southeast Washington Interagency IMT

Chelan County Emergency Management

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz

US Forest Service – Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

On August 2, 2024, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions went into effect. For more details on these updates, you can visit their website at https://www.fs.uda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions. This is also due to Central Washington experiencing hot and dry days, and preventing human-caused fires.

PatRick Environmental (contractor)

Benton County Fire District #1

Brinnon Fire Department

Posted on July 14, 2024, “Marine 41 (Lt. Chris Dolan and FF Jade Rollins) is still currently on the Pioneer Fire in Chelan, which has now spread over 15,000 acres and is only 14% contained. The crew has been providing crucial support by shuttling crews, equipment, and supplies to firefighters on the front lines.

Photo Credit: Brinnon FD

Marine 41 has also been used to rescue firefighters when the fire was overtaking them. This operation appears to be a long-term effort expected to continue throughout the summer. Brinnon Fire Department will be present as long as we are needed, with crews rotating every 2 to 3 weeks. **Important Note:** These deployments are federally funded, meaning Brinnon residents do not bear the cost. Both the fire department and our firefighters are appropriately compensated by the federal authorities responsible for the incident.

NWS IMET Operations (Weather)

NWS Spokane IMET Trainee was dispatched to the incident on this day on August 4, 2024. The following day, NWS Western was deployed.

American Red Cross Northwest Region

A Shelter is being staffed by American Red Cross volunteers at the Lake Chelan School District’s Community Gym.

THREATENED

There are approximately 300 homes under threat, along with 10 mixed commercial/residential, 50 non-residential commercial, and 250 minor structures.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

One minor structure.

COST-TO-DATE

74.4 Million Dollars

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog