Pioneer Fire expands amid critical weather conditions

STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire continued to grow over the weekend, reaching 35,607 acres as firefighters brace for challenging weather conditions.

The blaze, which has been burning since June 8, has drawn 728 personnel to the firefighting effort. Tom Clemo serves as Incident Commander, with Nic Elmquist as Incident Commander Trainee.

A dry cold front moving into the region Monday is expected to bring critical fire weather, with potential wind gusts up to 30 mph down Lake Chelan in the afternoon and evening. Firefighters anticipate a dynamic fire day with an increased risk of fire spread and intensified burning conditions.

On Sunday, efforts focused on slowing fire progression near Stehekin, with scooper planes and helicopters supporting ground crews. Structural protection work continued in Stehekin, including the use of sprinklers around buildings to reduce fire risk.

Firefighters are also contending with the Flat Creek Fire, a separate 10-acre blaze located 20 miles northwest of Stehekin in extremely steep, inaccessible terrain. While not an immediate threat to residents, officials are developing strategies for future operations and plan to install a camera for 24-hour monitoring.

Significant smoke impacts are expected in communities south and east of the Pioneer Fire, including the Methow Valley, Stehekin, Manson, and Chelan. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-90s on Monday, with relative humidity dropping to around 20 percent.

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders remain in effect for areas surrounding the fire. Forest closures are still in place for portions of North Cascades National Park and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

The cause of the Pioneer Fire remains under investigation but is believed to be human-caused. As the situation continues to evolve, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and comply with all evacuation orders and forest closures.