Pioneer Fire Info - Lake Chelan

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 28, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,735 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 401
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 4 crews, 6 helicopters, 5 engines, 13 water tenders, 7 heavy equipment
This will be the final daily update for the Pioneer Fire unless fire activity or conditions change.
CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters have been successful protecting private residences and other infrastructure along the lakeshore and within the Stehekin area and there has been little to no growth and minimal fire activity over the last two weeks. Yesterday firefighters completed backhaul of excess equipment along the lakeshore and contingency lines south of the fire. Fire crews also continued repairing fireline in the Little Boulder Creek area. Firefighters monitoring the fire’s edge identified some smoke from smoldering logs in the Boulder Creek drainage, interior to the fire. With warmer and drier weather conditions forecasted through the week, additional smoke is likely as heavier fuels, like downed logs, slowly burn out. There were no aircraft operations yesterday due to high winds over the fire area.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters will continue to patrol the firelines near Stehekin and check for any hot spots that may threaten containment lines. Suppression repair activities will continue, and crews will work to complete remaining brush piling and repair of roads damaged by fire-related traffic. Aircraft will support operations with reconnaissance flights to check for fire activity and helicopters will be used to backhaul excess equipment from remote locations. Firefighters are prepared to support initial attack of new fires.
Today is the last day of the Incident Command Post in Manson. Management of the Pioneer Fire from Safety Harbor north will transfer to a smaller Type 3 incident management organization based in Stehekin at 5:00 p.m. today. Management of the Pioneer Fire from Safety Harbor south will transfer back to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at 5:00 p.m. today.
WEATHER: Warmer and drier weather conditions will arrive today and linger through the weekend. Temperatures will be in the high 70s today and mid 80's tomorrow. Wind speeds have moderated since yesterday, with mostly diurnal terrain-driven winds forecast for the fire area.
EVACUATIONS: To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the interactive map at: https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ ... b25434e03/.
CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 26, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,735 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 414
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 6 helicopters, 7 engines, 17 water tenders, 8 heavy equipment
CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters conducted on the ground and aerial patrols over the Pioneer Fire today following the last storm system that deposited over an inch of rain over the fire area. One small pocket of heat was identified in the Little Boulder drainage well interior of existing holding features. Resources completed backhaul of excess equipment by boat and aircraft and conducted suppression repair work to stabilize holding features and prevent potential soil erosion. Flights over the Rennie, McAlester and Flat Creek Fires revealed one small pocket of heat on the Flat Creek Fire. All three fires have remained in their existing footprints for the past several days.
Stehekin is now open to visitors. Many fire-related hazards remain in the area and services may be limited or altered. Additionally, many trails and campgrounds remain closed due to these hazards. Visitors should confirm available services before traveling.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters are conducting suppression repair on hand line in the Moore Point and Stehekin Landing areas. Crews continue backhauling hose and equipment around Safety Harbor. Firefighters in the Cooper Ridge area are masticating and removing vegetation debris. Resources south of the fire near Manson are working on road repair from fire traffic. As fire activity decreases, excess equipment and resources are being released from the incident. Firefighters remain ready to assist with potential new fire starts.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy skies with increasing winds in the afternoon bringing another weather system into the area along with a chance of precipitation. A warming and drying trend begins Tuesday afternoon.
EVACUATIONS: To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ ... b25434e03/.
CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 25, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,735 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 522
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 10 crews, 6 helicopters, 9 engines, 20 water tenders, 6 heavy equipment
CURRENT SITUATION: The Pioneer Fire received just over an inch of rain in the past two days decreasing visible fire activity. Yesterday firefighters engaged where safe to do so as significant rainfall saturated steep slopes increasing the risk for rock and debris fall. Firefighters continued chipping debris from roadside vegetation work in the Stehekin area. Along the lakeshore, crews worked on backhauling excess equipment. South of the fire near Manson resources conducted road repair work from fire traffic as well as chipping and mastication of remaining vegetation debris.
Stehekin is now open to visitors. Many fire-related hazards remain in the area and services may be limited or altered. Additionally, many trails and campgrounds remain closed due to these hazards. Visitors should confirm available services before traveling.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: If weather conditions are favorable, firefighters will conduct an aerial patrol of the fire to ensure it remains within its current footprint. Helicopters may also be used to assist in backhauling excess equipment from remote locations.
Firefighters will monitor the check line and handline along Little Boulder Creek and Boulder Ridge on the ground and with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). In Stehekin, resources will ensure roadways remain clear as the chance for rock and debris fall remains. Backhaul of excess equipment will occur around the fire including along the lakeshore, around Safety Harbor and in the Stehekin area. Crews south of the fire near Manson will continue to repair roads from fire traffic and remove vegetation debris from along roadsides.
WEATHER: A slight chance of rain is possible in the morning before decreasing clouds throughout the day. Temperatures will increase with another chance of rain possible Monday night.
EVACUATIONS: To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ ... b25434e03/.
CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://go.nps.gov/fireclosures and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 24, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,735 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 448
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 6 helicopters, 12 engines, 20 water tenders, 9 heavy equipment
CURRENT SITUATION: Rain fell over the fire area yesterday and into the evening. Fire activity is minimal, mostly smoldering in the Boulder Creek and Little Boulder Creek drainages. There has been little to no growth over the last week and the fire continues to hold below the Boulder Creek check line. Yesterday crews patrolled the hand line along Little Boulder Creek and Boulder Ridge and also monitored the area for heat using an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Work to clear roadsides of vegetation piles continued in Stehekin and firefighters began to back haul excess equipment along the lakeshore. South of the fire near Manson crews continued to haul vegetation debris and repair roads damaged by fire-related traffic.
Stehekin is now open to visitors. Many fire-related hazards remain in the area and services may be limited or altered. Additionally, many trails and campgrounds remain closed due to these hazards. Visitors should confirm available services before traveling.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: In Stehekin, firefighters will continue patrolling the Boulder Creek and Little Boulder Creek area to check for any heat or fire activity. Crews will also work to finish remaining chipping of vegetation debris as weather conditions allow. Along the lakeshore and south of the fire, backhaul of equipment that is no longer needed will continue. Firefighters continue to be available for initial attack of new fires.
WEATHER: Fall-like conditions will continue today, with rain showers lingering into the afternoon. Expect partly cloudy skies with high temperatures in the 50s.
EVACUATIONS: Chelan County emergency management downgraded evacuation levels for the Pioneer Fire and Stehekin area, effective August 22, 2024. To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ ... b25434e03/.
CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m

[pasayten]

Quick Facts for August 24, 2024:
#PioneerFire2024
• 38,735 acres
• 23% contained
• Cause: Under investigation
• 7 crews, 6 helicopters, 12 engines, 20 water tenders, 9 heavy equipment
#easyfire2024
• 2,130 acres
• 36% contained
• Cause: Lightning
• 3 engines, 3 water tenders
#StaymanFire2024
• 3,118 acres
• 95% contained
• Cause: Under investigation
• 5 crews, 6 engines, 1 water tender
Command of the Stayman Fire was transferred back to the local unit this morning at 7:00 a.m.

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 23, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,730 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 444
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 6 helicopters, 11 engines, 20 water tenders, 9 heavy equipment
CURRENT SITUATION: The Pioneer Fire remains within the same footprint. In Stehekin, firefighters continued work on Little Boulder handline, mopping up any hot spots as needed. There was no visible smoke in the Boulder Creek area and the retardant check line is holding. Crews continued chipping of vegetation piles along roads. South of the fire, road work to repair damage caused by fire traffic is ongoing. As objectives are met, equipment and resources are being released from the incident.
Following a change in evacuation levels yesterday, Stehekin is now open to visitors. Many fire-related hazards remain in the area and services may be limited or altered. Additionally, many trails and campgrounds remain closed due to these hazards. Visitors should confirm available services before traveling.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: In Stehekin, patrol of handlines and check line at Little Boulder and vegetation debris chipping will continue. The perimeter along the lakeshore has been contained and crews are working to repair the fireline in that area, pulling the berm and duff layer back over the constructed line. There has been no movement of the southern edge of the fire in the last month, giving increasing confidence that the fire will continue to hold within its existing footprint. Approximately 5 miles of hose lay from the Nelson Butte contingency line south of the fire will start to be removed; however, the hose system on the Coyote Ridge contingency line will remain in place. Resources assigned to the Pioneer Fire continue to be available for initial attack of new fires should a need arise.
WEATHER: Precipitation is likely across the Pioneer Fire this afternoon into tomorrow morning. Temperatures will be in the mid to high 70s with uplake wind gusts.
EVACUATIONS: Chelan County emergency management downgraded evacuation levels for the Pioneer Fire and Stehekin area, effective August 22, 2024. To view the current evacuation levels, please visit the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page at facebook.com/CCSOEM or view the https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ ... b25434e03/.
CLOSURES: Many trails and campgrounds remain closed. Check the current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices before traveling to these areas. Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 22, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,730 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 519
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 3 crews, 6 helicopters, 16 engines, 22 water tenders, 9 heavy equipment
CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighting personnel flew over the fire area yesterday and found minimal heat on the fire. There has been very little to no growth of the fire in recent days. Yesterday firefighters patrolled the Little Boulder handline and monitored the retardant check line for any heat. Firefighters observed small pockets of heat in the interior of the fire and the fire continues to hold within the handline and check line. South of the fire, resources are completing remaining work to remove vegetation debris from contingency line preparations and repair roads damaged from fire traffic.
Northwest Incident Management Team 3 held a virtual community briefing on August 21. They provided an overview of current fire activity and fire operations. A recording of the August 21 virtual community briefing can be viewed on the Pioneer and Easy Fires Information Facebook Page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters will patrol and secure the handline around Little Boulder Creek. They will monitor the check line on Rainbow Ridge for any heat. Crews will continue chipping and hauling away vegetation debris in Stehekin. Crews will monitor the lakeshore by boat, as needed. Resources will continue mastication and debris hauling near Manson. Firefighters are available for initial attack of new fires if needed.
WEATHER: Dry conditions today will transition to wetter late tonight and into tomorrow. Today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers after 10 a.m. Winds will be southeasterly on upper slopes and ridges, then down lake in the afternoon. High temperatures will be in the mid- to high-70s.
EVACUATIONS: Evacuation orders are in place for the Pioneer Fire and the Stehekin area remains closed to visitors. For more information, please visit: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emer.../pag ... mergencies.
CLOSURES: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htmn The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices Campfires are prohibited. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in areas across Washington due to multiple wildfires. For more information, please visit: closures.pcta.org/. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_2248.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update
August 19, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,727 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 622
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 5 crews, 6 helicopters, 21 engines, 25 water tenders, 10 heavy equipment
Virtual Community Briefing on Wednesday, August 21 at 5:30 pm
View the live virtual community briefing on the Pioneer and Easy Fires Information Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080. Please submit questions in advance to 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov or via Facebook Messenger.
CURRENT SITUATION: In Stehekin, crews on the Pioneer Fire continued mop up operations along the handline near Little Boulder Creek to further secure the line. Air resources supported operations along the Rainbow Creek drainage by dropping water buckets on areas of heat to keep handline in the area in check. Shrub removal and limbing work was completed to secure defensible space of structures. Brushing of roads continued on the south end of the fire near Manson and heavy equipment began to move out of the area. Aerial and ground firefighting resources assigned to the Pioneer Fire assisted local agency personnel with initial attack of additional new fire starts in the area following Saturday night’s thunderstorm.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters will continue operations to hold the fire below the check line on Rainbow Ridge. They will further secure and improve handlines near Boulder Creek and Rainbow Creek drainages while helicopters drop water to cool hot spots along the fire’s edge. Snag removal operations to mitigate hazards will begin to wrap up around the Stehekin hydropower plant. Structure preparations in this area will continue. Crews will continue to remove brush and vegetation along the contingency lines east of Manson. Air resources will be available for reconnaissance flights and water drops. Firefighters remain available for initial attack needs in the surrounding area.
WEATHER and SMOKE: Moderate weather conditions continue today with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s. There is a 10% chance of showers with light morning winds that increase and become down lake throughout the day. A smoke outlook for the Pioneer and Easy Fires is available at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d.
EVACUATIONS: Evacuation levels on the Pioneer Fire on Lake Chelan's north shore were downgraded beginning at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18:
• Level 2 (Be Prepared): The Stehekin Valley, from High Bridge south to Adams Point
• Level 1 (Stay Alert): From (and including) Adams Point south to Camas Creek
While evacuation levels in the Stehekin area have changed, the area remains closed to visitors. For more information, please visit: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emer.../pag ... mergencies
CLOSURES: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update
August 18, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,727 acres (no updated IR)
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 23%
Personnel: 679
Cause: Under investigation
Resources Assigned: 7 crews, 6 helicopters, 21 engines, 25 water tenders, 11 heavy equipment
CURRENT SITUATION: The Pioneer Fire continues to hold in the Boulder Creek drainage below established retardant lines. Aviation activity increased throughout the day as air attack and reconnaissance flights were flown and air resources dropped retardant and water buckets on areas of heat. Crews checked the miles of hose strategically laid throughout Stehekin. Construction continued on the contingency line to the west of the airport and along the Stehekin hydropower plant. Much of the lakeshore is in patrol status with no immediate threats from the fire at this time. Mastication of larger debris generated from the construction of the contingency line and brushing of roads continued on the south end of the fire near Manson. Resources assisted local agency personnel with initial attack of a new start.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Actions to protect the community of Stehekin and prevent spread of the fire out of the Boulder Creek drainage will continue today. Firefighters will continue to hold and improve the handline tying into the retardant check line and aerial firefighting efforts will focus on cooling hot spots with bucket drops of water. Firefighters will also be patrolling in and around structures in the community and will assess any hazards such as rolling burning logs or downed powerlines that may have occurred after thunderstorms passed through the area Saturday night. East of Manson, resources continue to clean up remaining brush and vegetation following construction of contingency lines. Crews patrolling the south side of the fire will be poised and available to respond to any initial attack needs in the surrounding area if new fires result from recent lightning.
WEATHER and SMOKE: Thunderstorms occurred overnight and continued into the early hours of the morning. Today will be warm, with temperatures in the high 70s or low 80s. This afternoon will bring clouds with a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms. Winds will be light and down lake throughout the day.
A smoke outlook for the Pioneer and Easy Fires is available at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d.
EVACUATIONS: The Stehekin area remains under evacuation orders and is not open to public entry. For more information about the evacuation orders in effect around the Pioneer Fire, please visit: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emer.../pag ... mergencies
CLOSURES: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Evacuation Level Updates:
Evacuation levels on the Pioneer Fire on Lake Chelan's north shore have been DOWNGRADED. Pioneer and Easy Fires Information
**Level 2: The Stehekin Valley, from High Bridge south to Adams Point
**Level 1: From (and including) Adams Point south to Camas Creek
**Use the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map to view evacuation levels (link below).
**Reminder: Visitors are still not allowed in the Level 2 evacuation area of Stehekin.
**The Red Cross Shelter at Chelan United Methodist Church closes tomorrow morning (Aug. 19).

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update August 14, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,480
Start Date: June 08, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13 percent
Personnel: 610
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday on the ridgeline above Boulder Creek, firefighters utilized Very Large Air Tankers and Large Air Tankers to deliver retardant to the fire. Additionally, a Skycrane helicopter was used to supplement retardant drops on the fire line by precisely dropping retardant in spots identified by firefighters on the ground. Air crews will take advantage of the change in weather and moderate to low fire activity to increase containment of the Pioneer Fire. Air assets will deliver more retardant to the ridgelines near Boulder Creek and conduct water drops to provide direct support to handcrews working at the fires edge.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Firefighters will continue hand line construction in the Boulder Creek and Rainbow Creek areas. Firefighters continue to evaluate the risks and impacts from the moisture and lightning received on August 12. Recent precipitation has moderated fire behavior and slowed spread, however, fire behavior will slowly increase as fuels dry. Rolling materials may affect the roadway between Rainbow and Little Boulder creeks. An overnight infrared flight showed scattered heat sources are still present in the upper Boulder Creek drainages.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: Breezy down lake winds will decrease in the morning, with Wednesday being the calmest weather day of the week. There is a 5% chance of showers, otherwise the day will remain mostly sunny. Temperatures will warm slightly with temperatures in the low 80s. Winds will be downlake in the morning, shifting to uplake in the early afternoon.
For smoke report: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d .
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update August 13, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,420
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13 percent
Personnel: 623
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: Favorable, over-night weather conditions decreased fire activity with fire behavior limited to smoldering and creeping. Fire spread in the Boulder Creek drainage has been slowed. Isolated residual heat sources in Prince Creek and Fish Creek areas are confined to extremely steep headwater slopes. The fire area will benefit from the rain for a short period before dry and hot conditions return to the fire area and Lake Chelan's strong diurnal winds and steep topography challenge suppression actions. Crews and aviation resources will respond to all new fires with an aggressive initial attack strategy. Seven new fires have been identified and contained in the local area over the last 48- hours.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Crews continue to prepare contingency fire lines to be used in the rare chance the southern portion of the fire becomes active to prevent it from advancing southeast towards the community of Manson. Resources will implement structure protection plans for the community of Stehekin. Ground and aviation resources continue to take advantage of favorable weather conditions to construct direct fireline to contain the northern flank adjacent to the Boulder Creek drainage. Fire operations officials continue to evaluate the impacts from the precipitation and lightning that was received over the fire area and respond as necessary.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: The breezy down lake winds continued last night, with a quiet day expected today. A slight chance of thunderstorms is possible in the afternoon, but the chance remains small. Temperatures will continue to cool with high temperatures returning to the upper 70s to lower 80s with drier conditions. Winds will remain breezy today coming from the northwest with gusts of 20 to 25 mph possible in the late afternoon and evening hours.
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County
Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html . Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080 Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update
August 12, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 38,299
Start Date: June 11, 2024 Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13 percent
Personnel: 649
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: A Red Flag Warning will be in effect until 12:00 P.M. for abundant lighting and thunderstorms in and around the fire area. The weather will determine the focus of today’s firefighting efforts. Firefighter and public safety continues to be the incident’s number one priority. When necessary, firefighters will take a tactical pause until conditions allow resumption of suppression efforts. Crews assigned to the incident continue to respond to multiple new fires caused by recent the thunderstorms. Initial attack crews and aviation resources will respond to all new fires with an aggressive initial attack strategy.
On the evening of August 10 firefighters responded to a lightning caused fire in the area of safety harbor. The two-acre fire immediately had hose line put in around it and was suppressed. There is currently no heat or smoke coming from the area.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Today fire resources will continue structure protection and road preparation efforts along the Stehekin Valley road. As weather permits, firefighters will take advantage of moderating fire activity and construct direct handline along the Boulder ridge to stop the northern progression of the fire.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: There were scattered thunderstorms that impacted the Pioneer fire last night and this morning. Temperatures will be cooler today but remain unsettled with a 30 percent chance for showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Winds will start off light then become gusty from the northwest, especially along Lake Chelan. Temperatures will continue to cool into Tuesday with high temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s with drier conditions. Winds will remain breezy from the northwest with gusts of 20 to 25 mph possible in the late afternoon into evening hours.
For Monday, expect increased smoke to communities southeast of the Easy and Pioneer fires in the lower Lake Chelan and Entiat areas. In these areas, there will be Moderate air quality in the morning , decreasing to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the evening and overnight. Overall air quality in the Stehekin Valley will be at Unhealthy, while the Newhalem area and Methow Valley communities will have overall Moderate air quality. Read the full report https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d .
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html . Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update
August 11, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 37,852
Start Date: June 11, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13 percent
Personnel: 626
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: Fire managers were able to establish a mobile retardant base out of Mazama. This was just one of several factors that came together enabling the team to launch Large Air Tankers (LATs) and Very Lage Air Tankers (VLATS) and drop retardant along ridgetops above Boulder Creek. Yesterday, one command plane called a “Lead Plane” guided three LATS and one VLAT in an aggressive operation that dropped more than 23,000 gallons of retardant on the fire’s western edge.
As Incident Commander Tom Clemo explained “Every team before us has wanted to use retardant to stop the spread of this fire,” Clemo said. “There just hasn’t been the alignment of location, flight paths, resources and several other issues to launch this capability. All those factors lined up yesterday and we took immediate advantage of the opportunity.” The fire continues to burn above the community of Stehekin in the Boulder Creek drainage.
Crews assigned to the incident continue to respond to multiple new fires in the area. In addition to managing the three fires, the team has initial attack responsibility over a wide geographical area. Initial attack crews are in place and will respond to all new fires with an aggressive initial attack strategy.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Hotshot crews will continue handline construction on ridgelines between Boulder Creek to the south and Rainbow Creek to the north coordinating retardant drops. Aviation resources, including the Sky Crane helicopter, will continue retardant drops bringing retardant down slope connecting to the handline coming up from Stehekin Valley Road. Masticators and other heavy equipment working to reinforce containment lines along Stehekin Valley Road will continue throughout the day as crews strive to keep the fire north of the road.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: A red flag warning has been issued beginning at 1 p.m. today lasting until 11 p.m. Monday for lightning activity north/northeast of the fire. Temperatures will remain in the mid to upper 80s for one more day before a slight cooling trend begins. A chance of showers will remain across the fire but otherwise, temperatures will be around 80 degrees with low relative humidity remaining in the upper 30’s. Communities east and southeast of the Easy and Pioneer fires in the lower Chelan, Methow, and Okanogan Valleys will have Moderate air quality to start the day. Some of these areas will see increased smoke from these fires and regional fires that will likely degrade air quality to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the evening. Air quality in the Stehekin and upper Skagit Valleys will likely be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the morning and late evening, with Moderate air quality during the day. The full smoke report is available:
https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/f79a6d6d
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited.
There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update
August 10, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 37,164
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13 percent
Personnel: 653
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: Fire activity increased yesterday as thunderstorms in the area compounded up lake winds drivingthe fire. Overnight infrared flight indicates the fire has moved past Little Boulder Creek, into Boulder Creek proper aboveStehekin toward Rainbow Creek. Fire managers are evaluating a series of tactics to keep the fire within the 2010 RainbowBridge 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 bothsides of the peak, southeast of the Pioneer Fire. Initial attack crews will continue to try and suppress all new fires.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Fire managers continue to evaluate handline placement on the ridgetop between Rainbow andBoulder Creek to stop further encroachment into Stehekin within the 2010 Rainbow Bridge burn scar. Masticators andother heavy equipment working to reinforce containment lines along Stehekin Valley Road will continue throughout theday as crews work to keep the fire north of the road.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: Thunderstorms will continue to be a significant threat today. Thunderstorm coverage will beslightly less than on Friday but the storms that form will produce lightning, brief heavy rain, and gusty outflow winds.Thunderstorm chances will further decrease on Sunday with a 20 percent chance of observing lightning from any givenlocation in the incident area. Relative humidity will increase and temperatures will decrease each day from Saturday toMonday.The Stehekin Valley continues to be impacted by smoke from the Pioneer and Easy fires, with air quality that is unhealthyfor sensitive groups most of the day. The full smoke report is available:
https://outlooks.airfire.org/.../f79a6d6d...
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan CountyEmergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index .htmThe Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-WenatcheeNational Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) inplace over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html . Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under theTFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

Briefing video 8/10...

https://www.facebook.com/61560760893080 ... 866428189/

[PAL]

New fire start near the Lookout Mtn. area outside of Twisp. Not near town. I hear helicopters flying overhead. I'm up Twisp River. No new fires from strikes up here detected...yet and hopefully none.

[CascadeClarke]

Are all of those red dots hot spots?

Do you have any info on any new fire starts from lightning strikes in the area?

[pasayten]

8/10 Infrared Maps...

20240810_c0845_Pioneer_Aircraft3_11x17.pdf

(1.32 MiB) Downloaded 477 times

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Quick Facts
Size: 37164
Containment: 13 percent
Personnel: 653
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: The fire has moved to the south side of Boulder Creek, progressing northeasterly and firmly entrenched in the 2010 Rainbow Bridge burn scar between Little Boulder Creek to the south and Rainbow Creek to the north. Crews will continue improving handlines around the area to prevent the fire from moving deeper into the community of Stehekin.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Today will be a challenging fire day as the potential for periods of intense rain increases the likelihood of debris flow in the area and elevated chances of new starts due to overhead lightning storms. With expected wind gusts of 40 mph, firefighters may be forced to take a tactical pause during those events. Utilizing information from last night’s infrared flight, fire managers are evaluating locations for contingency lines north of the Boulder Creek area in an effort to keep the fire within the Rainbow Bridge burn scar. Masticators and other heavy equipment working to reinforce containment lines along Stehekin Valley Road will continue throughout the day.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: A red flag warning for lightning and thunderstorms has been issued for the area. A warm and unstable air mass will be over the Pioneer Fire throughout the weekend. Weak disturbances passing through the northwest will bring on and off chances for showers and thunderstorms. The strongest and most widespread activity will be during peak heating in the afternoon and early evening hours. During this time, thunderstorms will bring the potential for scattered lightning strikes, heavy downpours of rain, small hail, and gusty outflow winds. Temperatures will remain in the 80s to low 90s with generally light winds outside erratic and brief strong thunderstorm wind gusts.
Expect good to moderate air quality across most of the communities in the Methow Valley and in the Lake Chelan area on Friday, with periods of smoke possible in the late afternoon and evening. Stehekin will likely experience moderate smoke throughout the day, while Omak and Brewster should have good air quality.
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[mister_coffee]

There goes Purple Point Campground...

[pasayten]

Dang!!!!

[pasayten]

8/8 Infrared Maps...

20240808_c0845_Pioneer_Aircraft3_11x17.pdf

(1.32 MiB) Downloaded 539 times

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update
August 8, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 36970 (No updated IR) Start Date: June 8, 2024 Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13 percent Personnel: 653 Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: Scattered heat sources remain across the fire perimeter due to seasonally dry conditions and unburnt vegetation, particularly in the north end of the fire at Purple Creek and south to Prince Creek. Fire activity along the ridgeline between Imus and Purple Creek remains the most active with uphill spread as fire gets into dense pockets of trees. A persistent uplake wind will challenge firefighters as previously unseen alignments of fire, wind, and terrain may contribute to increased fire behavior.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Crews will focus their efforts constructing handlines around the Little Boulder Creek area to keep the fire south of the creek and prevent further movement into the community of Stehekin. Aviation assets will continue working in the area with water drops to cool and slow the fire in coordination with resources on the ground.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: The weather through Friday will be warm and mostly dry over the next few days. Winds of 5 to 10 mph will move north up the lake for most of the day. There is a 10 percent chance for afternoon thunderstorms on Thursday increasing to 50 percent on Friday. Any storms impacting the fire will bring a threat of gusty outflow winds, heavy downpours, and lightning.
Expect winds out of the east to scour the smoke and improve air quality across most of the communities east of the Pioneer and Easy fires in the morning. As winds shift to out of the northwest, they will bring light to moderate levels of smoke from regional fires to communities in the Okanogan Valley and Chelan area overnight. Stehekin will likely have light to moderate levels of smoke throughout most of the day and evening.
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update
August 7, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 36898 (No updated IR) Start Date: June 8, 2024 Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 13% Personnel: 653 Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
CURRENT SITUATION: Crews brought fire down to Stehekin Valley Road as they worked to tie-in with handlines along Little Boulder Creek in Stehekin. Operations will continue to improve those handlines as part of the effort to reduce risk to that community. The majority of fire activity remains on the upper portions of Purple and Imus Creeks.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Over the next 24 hours, incident meteorologists anticipate a slight reduction in fire activity as northwest winds ease, returning to normal flow patterns with morning up lake and afternoon down lake winds. The risk of rollout, single tree and group torching due to the steep terrain continue to be of concern for firefighters. Crews will continue to construct and improve handlines along Little Boulder Creek to the ridge ledge to Purple Mountain. Managers continue to seek opportunities to go direct on the fire with both land-based and aviation resources to halt the northern progression.
The Flat Creek Fire is located 15 miles northwest of Stehekin and is roughly 13 acres. A Wildland Fire Module will be inserted to start prepping potential control lines. The fire is in extremely steep terrain inaccessible to firefighters. A camera will be placed at a strategic location so incident management personnel can evaluate fire conditions on a 24-hour basis. Resources remain fully committed to operations within the Stehekin community.
WEATHER AND SMOKE: Significant smoke impacts are expected in local communities south and east of the Pioneer Fire to include locations in the Methow Valley, Stehekin, Manson, and Chelan. Winds will be generally lighter over the next few days with continued warm and dry conditions. Expected temperatures will hover in the mid-90s range throughout the week with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Evening gusts along ridgetops are anticipated at 20 mph.
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please contact Chelan County Emergency Management or visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov). Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov