Pioneer Fire

August 10, 2024 | 2200 hours PT

Photo Credit: Sandy Potts (used with written permission)

Today, the PIONEER FIRE continues to show active fire behavior with uphill runs, group torching, and short-range spotting, as well as, increased fire growth.

The fire located just outside of the rural Town of Stehekin, saw this fire ignited on private land originally 10 miles outside of it, and started on June 8th. Its location is referred to as being located 31 miles northwest of Chelan on Lake Chelan. The fire has seen increased acreage and growth as it is knocking on the door of this beautiful and rural touristy town in Washington State.

EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT

Levels 1 (Be Alert), 2 (Get Set) and 3 (GO NOW!)

Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w

According to the IMT/Fire presser, “Fire activity increased yesterday as thunderstorms in the area compounded up lake winds driving the fire. Overnight infrared flight indicates the fire has moved past Little Boulder Creek, into Boulder Creek proper above Stehekin toward Rainbow Creek. Fire managers are evaluating a series of tactics to keep the fire within the 2010 Rainbow Bridge burn scar using Rainbow Creek to halt the northern progression. 

Crews assigned to the incident responded to three new lightning-caused fires predominantly in the Fox Peak area, on both sides of the peak, southeast of the Pioneer Fire. Initial attack crews will continue to try and suppress all new fires.”

It is being managed by the CA Team 15, a CIMT as well as the Easy Fire (on SR 20 – North Cascades Highway) in between Skagit and Chelan Counties.

About 37,164 acres have been burned and there is a 13% containment status.

There are 678 total personnel with an increase of 23 members. Additionally, there are six crews, 23 engines, and eight copters.

We have sent a potential resource for Logistics to the Pioneer and Easy Fires Information Page/Email. We met Sky Terry, the organization’s Director/Founder with the Emergency Volunteer Air Corps known as EVAC in 2018 and attended one of his very educational presentations. We wish more organizations, agencies, and Logistics Groups used this invaluable and life-saving resource.

This is a vital resource for any disaster, anywhere. This group is based out of Bellingham, Washington, and supports the Pacific Northwest region or wherever they are called to respond.

We will cover this important resource in a separate post. We will let you know when we hear anything.

(L) Photo Credit: NW Fire Blog

Here is one of their most recent videos found on YouTube.com of the important work they do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtN1ayJhLVo

No structures have been reported as lost.

CTD: 74.4 Million Dollars.

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog