Chelan Hills Fire grows to 2,000 acres, prompts state mobilization

ORONDO — State firefighting resources have been mobilized to support local crews battling the rapidly growing Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County after the blaze expanded to an estimated 2,000 acres early Saturday, July 4.

The Washington State Patrol authorized state fire assistance at 4:30 a.m. July 4 at the request of Douglas County Fire District 4 Assistant Fire Chief Justin Dennis under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.

The fire started shortly after midnight, at approximately 12:05 a.m., near Highway 97 at milepost 233 between Orondo and Chelan. Officials said the fire is burning in grass and brush, threatening homes, infrastructure and public safety. The cause remains under investigation.

As of Saturday morning, the fire was estimated at 2,000 acres with containment not yet established.

Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders are in effect for Box Canyon Road, Heidi Lane, Combine Road and Jerrys Lane.

Level 2 "Set" evacuation warnings have been issued for Chelan Hills Acres Road, Park Drive, Jackson Canyon Road, Baty Way, Riverview Road, Canyon View Drive, Rocky Road, Big Ranch Road, Spring Lane, King Bird Lane, Green Lane, Farnham Lane, Spur Lane and High Corner Road.

The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray has been activated at Level 2, a partial activation, to coordinate state assistance. Fire Protection Bureau mobilization specialists have ordered three strike teams to assist local firefighters, while State Fire Marshal's Office personnel are coordinating additional resource dispatch.

Under Washington's mobilization plan, state resources can be deployed when wildfires or other emergencies exceed the capabilities of local jurisdictions. The Fire Protection Bureau oversees the dispatch and administrative coordination of personnel and equipment throughout the mobilization.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media