All evacuation advisories removed as Lower Sugarloaf nears full containment

CHELAN COUNTY — The Lower Sugarloaf Fire has reached 90 percent containment, prompting Chelan County Emergency Management to drop all of its evacuation orders around the fire on Oct. 10.

While flames and smoke have been minimized, fire officials warn of significant hazards that remain in and around the area. Closures will remain in place to protect the public. 

“Fire personnel are reporting more members of the public entering forest closure areas, putting themselves and firefighters at risk. With all of the natural hazards related to fire, we ask the public to respect closures and not add more danger to firefighters or themselves,” officials wrote.

Firefighters are also operating with caution; fire can burn deep underground in tree roots and stumps after prolonged dry periods, hiding a hot bed of coals under a layer of thin soil. Additionally, fire-weakened trees are a serious concern.

“Even healthy-looking green trees may have sustained enough damage to their roots or trunks to make them unstable. Windy conditions increase the danger, but damaged trees and snags may fall without warning at any time,” officials wrote in the update, warning that a falling tree could have a domino effect, especially on steep slopes.

While more resources are being released as firefighting needs subside, those remaining are ensuring water runoff doesn’t impact waterways and other repair projects, as well as mitigating hazard trees near roadways and infrastructure. This work includes cutting hazard trees, patrolling for residual hot spots, digging waterbars for drainage, clearing culverts and ditches, and feeding wood chippers. Roads will still see a presence of vehicles, equipment, and firefighters on foot accomplishing this work.

The Lower Sugarloaf Fire was caused by lightning near Sugarloaf Lookout on Sept. 1, burning partially in the footprint of the 1994 Tyee Fire and the 2018 Cougar Creek Fire. The fire has burned almost 43,000 acres between the Entiat and Chumstick communities, stretching almost all the way to the Columbia River.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media