Wind and rugged terrain drive fire growth in Chelan County

CHELAN COUNTY – Challenging weather and terrain on both the Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf fires fueled rapid fire growth and shifting evacuation zones over the past week.

“We were challenged by the dry cold fronts that came through here Thursday and the previous weekend. It blew the fire through our planned containment lines, and it really threatened some homes and infrastructure,” said Tim Sexton, Incident Commander of Northwest Team 2, during a Sept. 27 community meeting.

As of Monday, the Lower Sugarloaf Fire neared 40,000 acres with 38 percent containment. Over the last week, the fire saw significant activity in its south flank, escalating evacuation levels near Cashmere, Sunnyslope, and along Highway 97 near Swakane Creek. The fire’s growth sparked the mobilization of additional state firefighting assistance, with federal funding authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

By the end of the weekend, a Level 3 notice was still in effect between Warner Canyon and Swakane Creek. However, Nahahum Canyon and Entiat River Road – from Dinkelman Canyon to Roaring Creek Road – were downgraded to a Level 2. Evacuation notices for the Peshastin and Eagle Creek side of the fire were removed completely, and Entiat saw significant downgrades.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, but we are making good progress. The Labor Mountain Fire, on the other hand, is another story,” said Sexton.

The Labor Mountain Fire, moving through Blewett Pass, is just over 35,300 acres with only 7 percent containment. Level 3 evacuation advisories remain in effect for Ingalls Creek, Valley hi and Mission Creek Road.

Officials described the area of the Labor Mountain Fire as “steep, rocky, and very inaccessible,” complicating firefighting efforts. The region has also experienced years of extreme drought, making conditions ideal for fire growth. 

“The Okanogan-Wenatchee [National Forest] is statistically speaking the most rugged terrain national forest in the United States,” said Fire Behavior Analyst Kip Van De Water.

According to Sexton, air support has also been limited by too much smoke and wind. Additionally, it has not been as effective in areas where ground crews are unable to work simultaneously, due to terrain constraints.

“As it moves east, it's going to get into a little friendlier terrain,” said Sexton, noting the fire was moving towards previous fuel break lines. “That will make our efforts a little easier and likely more successful.”

The most up to date evacuation levels can be found on the Chelan County Emergency Management website, or on their map.

A Red Cross evacuation center is currently available at Christ Center Church, located at 5800 Kimber Road in Cashmere. Chelan County Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Cashmere, Tillicum Riders at 6204 Kimber Road, and Douglas County Fairgrounds are accepting large animals and livestock in need of evacuation. Those in need of assistance with domestic and large/livestock animal care due to the fires should call Animal Care and Control Dispatch at 509-888-7283, according to Chelan County Emergency Management.

Due to current circumstances, Chelan County has also extended the ban on outdoor burning an additional two weeks.

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