20/07/2024
July 20, 2024 - 4:00 PM
Press Release - Chelan Count\y SHeriff's Office
Regarding Stehekin and Pioneer Fire
STEHEKIN, WASH. – In a message to Stehekin residents and others concerned about the Pioneer Fire, the Chelan County
Sheriff's Office assures the public that emergency responders and Complex Incident Management Teams are united in
one goal: Protect the community of Stehekin.
Misinformation on social media in the most recent days has led to some incorrect speculation over fire tactics on the
Pioneer Fire, which is burning on the north shore of Lake Chelan and is currently about 4 miles from Stehekin. Both the
Sheriff's Office and Chelan County Commissioners Office have received many emails from private individuals, expressing
concern over wildfire-fighting tactics.
"This is unfortunate, because it detracts from our emergency planning efforts," said Chelan County Sheriff Mike
Morrison. "However, we do understand. These are people's lives, businesses and homes, and with any wildfire comes
much stress. But I want to be clear that state, federal and local agencies are working tirelessly on this fire and a strategy
is in place to protect the community. We are all on the same team, working together for the same results -- protect
Stehekin and keep people safe."
Stehekin, from the landing to High Bridge, is currently under a Level 1 fire advisory. Stehekin residents have been briefed
that Emergency Management is prepared for a Level 2 (be prepared to evacuate) notice if the incident management
team and Emergency Management determine it is necessary. A new Complex Incident Management Team, the fourth
team since the fire started in early June, assumes command of the fire on Sunday, July 21.
"This incoming incident command team, Northwest Team 3, includes several local names, like former Chelan County fire
chiefs Mike Burnett and Randy Johnson," said Rich Magnussen, Emergency Management specialist. "The team consists
of several U.S. Forest Service employees who live in our area, and the incident commander has served many stints
fighting wildfires in the Lake Chelan area. We are in great hands, with people who know our area well."
In a community meeting earlier this week, fire officials shared that multiple attempts had been made to stop the fire
well south of Stehekin. These earlier attempts were not successful due to extreme fire behavior and very steep terrain.
Fire managers have evaluated numerous locations to try and stop the fire from reaching Stehekin; however, rugged
terrain, heavy fuels and hazards to firefighters have limited the viability of these locations. A fire strategy is in place and
preparations are complete for firefighters to provide point protection to the community, protecting homes and
businesses within the Stehekin Valley. Any private actions by community members may jeopardize this plan and the
safety of fire personnel, Magnussen warned.
Emergency Management strongly encourages Stehekin residents to stay informed on the Pioneer Fire by signing up for
the county's emergency notification system, Everbridge, while also participating in regularly held community meetings.
The meetings provide crucial updates on firefighting efforts and offer an opportunity to ask questions. A fire message
board and public information officer are also located at the Stehekin landing.
Other resources for official fire information are at:
Inciweb: Pioneer Fire Information
Pioneer & Easy Fires Information page
Pioneer Fire Information telephone line: 541-861-5808.
Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map
Chelan County Emergency Management Active Emergencies
Chelan County Emergency Management page
Morrison emphasized that the county is working in collaboration with the Complex Incident Management Team and
supports its strategy for keeping the community safe.
"We have been beside the Stehekin community from the start of this fire, providing strategy for evacuation planning and
input into wildfire management while also speaking with residents," Morrison said. "We will continue to be at the
community's side until this fire is put out."
# #
