Evacuation orders issued for several areas

by Dennis Rahm, photos by Jenna Rahm

Efforts to control a rapidly spreading wildfire near Chelan, discovered in the Stayman Flats area, continued Tuesday evening, with multiple agencies responding quickly, including the Chelan, Manson and Entiat fire districts.

Firefighting efforts included air support in the form of helicopters, firefighting aircraft and firefighting planes. Because the aircraft are taking water from Lake Chelan and the Columbia River, boaters are advised to stay away from the emergency aircraft.

Due to the rapid spread of the fire, evacuation orders changed quickly throughout the afternoon. As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, a Level 3 evacuation order with an “Immediate Leave” advisory is in effect for Hawks Meadow Road, Hawks Ridge Road, Downie Creek Road, Chelan Butte, Little Butte and Butte Ranch Road. Level 3 also applies to Chukar Run, Dove Hollow Road, Big Sage Lane and Columbia Rim Road.

Later Tuesday, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 Warning for the City of Chelan, Waterslide Drive and surrounding areas.

The Chelan County Department of Emergency Management also reports that an evacuation center will be opened for those affected by the fire at the United Methodist Church of Chelan at 206 North Emerson Street.

A cause of the fire has not yet been announced. LakeChelanNow will update this story as more information becomes available.