Evacuation levels for Lower Sugarloaf Fire are updated as weather shifts

OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST — Lower Sugarloaf Fire evacuation levels for areas in Plain, the Chumstick Highway corridor and Entiat have changed as weather and fire conditions shift.

According to updates from Chelan County Emergency Management, a Level 2 Fire Evacuation advisory (Be Prepared to Leave) is in effect for above Merry Canyon on Chumstick Highway, north to Fish Pond Lane, located off of Chiwawa Loop Road in Plain. The area includes all of Little Chumstick. The area north of Fish Pond Lane is a Level 1 (Be Alert) evacuation advisory. Everything below Merry Canyon and Second Creek Road has been downgraded to a Level 1. 

It has also extended the Level 2 advisory for Entiat River Valley downriver to include Dinkelman Canyon Road. A new Level 1 fire advisory is in effect below Dinkelman Canyon Road to 97-A, and includes Mill Canyon Road. The area above Mad River Road has been reduced to a Level 1. All of Ardenvoir, including Mad River Road, is still under a Level 2 notice.

The full list of affected areas are listed on the Chelan County Emergency Management website, and can also be viewed on the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map. Chelan County Emergency Management recommends residents located in Level 1 areas remain ready, despite the level.

According to fire officials, Monday saw active fire activity on the eastern and northwestern perimeter due to changing winds, drier weather conditions and steep slopes. Officials predicted an uptick in fire activity on Tuesday due to weather conditions. The fire’s weather outlook included continued warming and drying through Wednesday; a high-pressure system developing in central Washington was expected to produce gusty winds out of the east Tuesday afternoon. 

Official fire information can be found on Inciweb, with daily updates shared on the Lower Sugarloaf Fire Facebook Page.

The lightning-caused fire surpassed 18,000 acres as of Tuesday afternoon, and is 11 percent contained. It is located 12 miles northeast of Leavenworth, between the Chumstick and Entiat valleys.

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