Pioneer Fire grows to 38,728 acres, 23% contained

STEHEKIN — The Pioneer Fire has grown to 38,728 acres and is 23% contained as of Monday, August 19, officials reported.

The human-caused blaze, which started on June 8, continues to challenge firefighting efforts in the rugged terrain of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Incident Commander Lonnie Click is currently commanding a team of 622 personnel battling the fire.

Crews made progress over the weekend, conducting mop-up operations along the handline near Little Boulder Creek. Air support played a crucial role, dropping water buckets to cool hot spots in the Rainbow Creek drainage. Firefighters also completed structure protection work in Stehekin, removing shrubs and limbing trees to create defensible spaces.

Today's operations will focus on holding the fire below the check line on Rainbow Ridge and securing handlines near Boulder Creek and Rainbow Creek drainages. Helicopter water drops will continue to target hot spots along the fire's edge.

Weather conditions remain moderate, with temperatures expected in the low 80s and a slight chance of showers. Officials have issued a smoke outlook for the area, which is available online.

Evacuation levels were downgraded on Sunday, with the Stehekin Valley from High Bridge south to Adams Point now at Level 2 (Be Prepared), and the area from Adams Point south to Camas Creek at Level 1 (Stay Alert). Despite the changes, Stehekin remains closed to visitors.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented closures in much of the fire area, and a Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect. Unauthorized drone activity is strictly prohibited.

A virtual community briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, at 5:30 pm on the Pioneer and Easy Fires Information Facebook page. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance via email or Facebook Messenger.

As the firefighting effort continues, officials urge the public to stay informed through official channels and adhere to all evacuation orders and fire restrictions in place.