Despite progress, Chelan-area fires still growing

CHELAN, Wash. – Progress has been made, but homes and other structures continue to be threatened by the Chelan Complex fires that have already destroyed 35 residences and 21 outbuildings around Lake Chelan and farther north.

Fire crews continue to provide structure protection on several fire fronts that are still actively spreading, fire spokeswoman Janet Pearce said Tuesday. The Chelan Complex fire, burning on 63,425 acres, is now 30 percent contained. Thirty-five homes have been confirmed lost to the fire, but that doesn’t include many others in areas still too hot to be assessed. There have been no serious injuries to residents or firefighters.

Pearce said fire crews made significant progress, particularly on the south end of the fire closest to the town of Chelan.

“It’s looking good. They’re going into patrol starting today so we can get the town back to normal,” Pearce said.

There’s still concern about the fire’s northeast and western perimeters. Nearly 3,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Burnouts and dozer lines completed on the southern flank held the fire, protecting many homes along the Columbia River. Firefighters have been building dozer lines, dousing spot fires and protecting structures on the northwest flank near Washington Creek and Echo Ridge.

Teams from many agencies have been mobilized to help with the fire, including the U.S. Army National Guard, state Department of Natural Resources and state fire marshal. Fourteen 20-person crews and a total 506 personnel are working the Chelan fire, Pearce said. Six helicopters and two fixed-wing planes are dumping water and retardant on hot spots. More than 930 firefighters are working the five fires burning around the lake.

Here’s a rundown of what’s happening on several fire fronts.

Chelan Complex: The fire is still actively burning in several directions. The fire has slowly spread into the east side of Union Valley and northwest into Washington Butte. Firefighters are working from established anchor points and providing point and zone protection for structures and infrastructure. On the southern and eastern fire flanks, fire crews have built several miles of containment line and are mopping up 200 feet into the perimeter.

First Creek: Fire remains very active with crowning and spotting that continues to threaten residences along South Lake Shore Road, Lake Chelan State Park, First Creek Road and Highway 971. Firefighters are conducting hand-firing operations and providing structure protection from Twenty Five Mile Creek to Navarre Coulee. Containment has been difficult to achieve on the north side’s steep, rugged terrain. The fire is burning on 1,656 acres and is 2 percent contained.

Wolverine fire: The fire stayed within planned containment lines and remains in check on Hilgard Pass. Crews continue burnout operations around Holden Village. The fire is burning on 40,357 acres and is 30 percent contained. Level 3 evacuations remain for Holden Village, Lucerne, Domke Lake, Riddle and Lightning Creek.

Black Canyon and McFarland Creek: Fires are actively burning in timber, brush and short grass about 8 miles west of Pateros in Okanogan County. Fire activity is extreme with crowning, flanking and spotting. The Black Canyon fire is burning on 4,667 acres, while the McFarland Creek fire is burning on 1,338 acres. Both fires have zero containment.