Pioneer Fire Info - Lake Chelan

[pasayten]

7/24 Infrared Fire Maps...

PDF version best for zooming...

20240724_c0445_Pioneer__Aircraft3_11x17.pdf

(976.12 KiB) Downloaded 397 times

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Daily Update July 24, 2024
Quick Facts
Size: 30,914 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 14%
Personnel: 695
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
Resources Assigned: 11 crews, 5 helicopters, 25 engines, 28 water tenders, 17 heavy equipment
There will be a community meeting in Manson Wednesday, 5:30 PM at the Manson High School. The meeting will be streamed live on the Pioneer Fire Information Facebook page. Please submit questions in advance to 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov or via Facebook Messenger.
CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters continued to engage in suppression and containment work on multiple fronts of the Pioneer Fire yesterday. Helicopters dropped water buckets on the northern flank of the fire as crews started construction of check line south of Flick Creek drainage. The check line is designed to incorporate natural barrier to slow the progression of the fire along the lake shore. The state mobilized strike team, which arrived on Monday, received their engines and trucks by barge. The additional equipment will enable them to further structure protection around private structures within Stehekin. UAS (drones) were flown over the Lone Fir drainage west of Manson to search for heat using infrared technology. No hot spots were found across the drainage. Road work and vegetation removal continued on contingency lines east of Manson along the Forest Service Road 8200 area.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Last night the fire began backing into the Flick Creek drainage but has not crossed Flick Creek. Today firefighters will focus their attention on holding that section of the fire in the Flick Creek drainage. The state mobilized strike team will continue structure protection preparations in Stehekin. Lone Fir drainage will be monitored for heat spots. While monitoring the Lone Fir drainage crews will be poised for action as needed.
WEATHER: Inversions on Wednesday morning will give way to afternoon sunshine and warm temperatures reaching the mid 80s. The air will not be as dry as previous days but humidity levels may drop to around 25% in the afternoon. Light winds are expected early in the day and into the early afternoon. Wind speeds are forecasted to pick up later in the early evening with gusts of about 10 mph but may get up to as high as 20 mph. The winds will continue through Thursday of similar speeds.
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../wases-pioneer
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[CascadeClarke]

They are eating at all 3 major entities-lunches provided by the bakery and maybe the ranch, dinners by the lodge, ranch and bakery and breakfast at the lodge, maybe also the ranch.

At the meeting someone asked how quick the initial response was-I wish I would have remembered this-but they are forgetting that the initial response was also getting the 20 something (or more?) hikers that had been dropped off that morning at Prince creek to safety.
There was one family that was sepatated and one person who was having a medical emergency also. And everyone got to safety that day. To me, that is a miracle.

I hope you are able to enjoy and go to the cabin that weekend!

[pasayten]

We have reservations for the week after Labor Day at Bethany’s Cabin on the Lake and will be there if allowed…. A little smoke and level 1 does not bother us as we are accustomed to it.

Glad you now have a better team for response and information.

Getting business from the fire crews or do they eat at camps? Hate to see the community suffer the loss of commerce.

[CascadeClarke]

Attended the meeting in Stehekin tonight. We are still on level 1, which is surprising as buzz around town was that maybe we would be put on level 2 tonight or tomorrow. Seems to be a huge reduction in guests right now also.
Nothing significant to report, but the community feedback about this new team is positive. And the meeting time was set earlier to allow for more questions and the meeting format was an improvement from the last frustrating meeting.
My hope is that the Stehekin community as a whole does not appear to be ungrateful due to some comments online I've seen. I definitely let the teams here know that I appreciate them.

The meeting was recorded, it may be available at a later date.

[pasayten]

30,000 acres is a BIG fire...

[admin]

Quick Facts for July 23, 2024:
#PioneerFire2024
• 30,667
• 14% contained
• Cause: Under investigation
• 12 crews, 7 helicopters, 27 engines, 28 water tenders, 18 heavy equipment

Pioneer Fire Daily Update July 23, 2024
There will be a community meeting in Stehekin Tuesday, 5 PM at the Golden West Visitor Center. There will also be a community meeting in Manson, Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the Manson High School. The meeting in Manson will be streamed live on the Pioneer Fire Information Facebook page. Please submit questions in advance to 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov or via Facebook Messenger.
CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters and equipment from State Fire Assistance have arrived in Stehekin to implement structure protection plans. While the cold front that moved through the region Monday bringing lower humidities and gusty down-lake winds, fire growth was minimal. Pockets of heat remain and could flare up over the coming days within the East Fork of Prince Creek drainage, in Fish Creek drainage, and around Cub Lake. On the south end of the fire, firefighters are monitoring for hot spots in the Lone Fir drainage and along the improved firelines on Nelson Ridge and Coyote Ridge. Firefighters from the Pioneer Fire also provided initial attack response for additional new wildfires starts in the area on Monday.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: Fire personnel in Stehekin will be working with the state mobilization strike team to improve home hardening and defensible space around structures and infrastructure. Firefighters on the north end of the fire will be constructing a ‘check’ line just south of Flick Creek that will tie into natural rocky features. The check line will help delay fire progression along the lakeshore, however due to heavy downed fuels, inaccessible terrain further upslope, this delaying tactic is not expected to completely stop fire progression. Firefighters are also monitoring and mopping up hot spots along the lakeshore. Crews will continue improvement of the indirect firelines along Cooper Ridge and Antilon Ridge north of Manson. The Lone Fir drainage continues to be monitored for hot spots.
WEATHER: After the cold front passage yesterday, temperatures will be cooler but winds over the fire will remain gusty. A Red Flag Warning continues for today due to expected winds and low humidities. Active fire behavior and interior flare-ups with intense heat are expected due to the critical weather situation. Some smoke columns may be visible.
EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.
FOREST CLOSURE: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

[admin]

7/23/2024 Information Maps

Public:
36 x 48
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... 723day.pdf
8 x 11
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... %20day.pdf

Briefing:
36 x 48
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... 723day.pdf

[admin]

7/23 Infrared Fire Maps... Note intense fire on northern edge near Stehekin.

PDF version good for zooming...

20240723_c0945_Pioneer_Aircraft3_11x17.pdf

(818.81 KiB) Downloaded 368 times

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update for July 22, 2024
Note: The Easy Fire Update is posted separately
There will be a Stehekin community meeting Tuesday at 5 PM at the Golden West Visitor Center. There will also be a Manson community meeting Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the Manson High School. The meeting in Manson will be streamed live on the Pioneer Fire Information Facebook page. Please submit questions in advance to 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov or via Facebook Messenger.

CURRENT SITUATION: Firefighters and equipment from State Fire Assistance for Stehekin are arriving today. They will be implementing Structure Protection Plans and further preparing structures and infrastructure for increased fire resilience. The fire continues to advance toward Flick Creek on the northern flank and has been active in the upper drainages of Fish Creek and Prince Creek on the eastern edge of the fire. Fire growth is expected today with the predicted temperatures, humidity and gusty winds. On the south end of the fire, firefighters continue to be on the lookout for fire activity in the Lone Fir drainage, which has seen little movement in recent days.

TODAY’S ACTIVITIES: The contingency lines between the fire and Manson along Coyote Ridge and Nelson Ridge have been completed and hose lays are installed. Testing of those hose-lays and line improvements will continue today. Work along Cooper Ridge to prepare it as an indirect fireline is nearing completion. A group of boats is moving firefighters and equipment to remote areas along the lake edge. A fire module with a UAS (drone) is working along the northern part of the fire to detect hot spots along the edge and complete strategic firing operations when needed for protection of cabins and infrastructure. Helicopters will continue to support firefighting efforts.

WEATHER: An approaching cold front is expected to shift winds to the west-northwest this afternoon. Gusts approaching 25 miles per hour and humidity dropping to around 25% prompted a Red Flag Warning for today. Active fire behavior, such as torching and possible crown fire runs, is expected due to the critical weather situation. Some smoke columns may be visible.

EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.

FOREST CLOSURE: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.

Quick Facts
Size: 30,352 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 14%
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
Personnel: 776
Resources Assigned: 11 crews, 4 helicopters, 25 engines, 28 water tenders, 18 heavy equipment
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-i ... es-pioneer
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[CascadeClarke]

It is a crazy night so far, high winds. Just came from watching the smoke plumes get bigger and bigger. There were some bucket drops.

[admin]

[pasayten]

7/22/2024 Information Maps

Public:
36 x 48
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... 722day.pdf
8 x 11
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... %20day.pdf

Briefing:
36 x 48
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... 722day.pdf

[pasayten]

Here is a link to all the Pioneer infrared fire maps since 6/14...
Click on a date and then click on the .jpg image file or .pdf file which is zoomable.


https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... 000173/IR/

[CascadeClarke]

Absolutely. That would be great. Thank you.
If you get to Stehekin this year you can say hi to me at the post office.

I take pictures almost daily and just went through the timeline of my photos. We definitely enjoyed many days of clear skies and little thoughts of threat until this last week.

[pasayten]

Grateful to be able to be a part of this forum and conversation. Thank you. I have 2 comments/observations to start out with.

Welcome to the forum CascadeClarke... I am the admin Ray Peterson and enjoy visiting Stehekin yearly after Labor Day for fishing, hiking, and the bakery...

Be good to get your local viewpoints and observations into the post. What is the July 4th firing?
Looking at my sources of data availability, I can get the infrared fire maps from 6/14 on if you were interested in any to supplement your observations.

[CascadeClarke]

Grateful to be able to be a part of this forum and conversation. Thank you. I have 2 comments/observations to start out with.

In the first meeting in Stehekin I recall them saying they were asked to protect "values" structures, property. And I kept wondering who asked them-

2nd observation-before the July 4th firing I had ridden the boat downlake and back over a weekend and we could only see some small smoldering spot fires which were being tended to with helicopters. I recall asking the PIO at that time if it was possible to see an aerial video of the fire. They evaded my question and I didn't press it. Had I known what would happen on July 4th I would have pressed it more. I'm just curious what it looked like on the other side of the mountain at that time.

*After reviewing my pictures i see a hillside with smoke on the top.* These are from the 22nd and 23 of June.








I support the firefighters and I appreciate the effort going in to this. The July 18th meeting was frustrating when they left 10 minutes for questions after telling us that there wasn't anything they could do to prevent the fire from reaching Stehekin. They did end up staying and I think progress was made and communication is happening now, but it was dis heartening for sure to be in that moment and no discussion publicly of concrete evacuation plans.

[pasayten]

Pioneer Fire Update for July 21, 2024
Note: The Easy Fire Update will be posted separately.

BRIEFING VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/61560760893080 ... 522119408/

CURRENT SITUATION: Northwest Incident Management Team 3, led by Incident Commander Lonnie Click assumed command for operations on the Pioneer Fire at 6:00 am this morning. “The outgoing Team and the prior teams who have been here working on the Pioneer Fire have done a lot of excellent work and we appreciate the attention that Northwest Team 12 gave to providing a smooth operational transition,” said Incident Commander Click.

State fire assistance has been mobilized in support of the Pioneer Fire. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan. Working with the community to strengthen fire resilience for structures and infrastructure in Stehekin and Manson remains a top priority.

The fire has crossed Hunts Creek on the northern flank and has been active in the upper East Fork of Fish Creek. Fire officials anticipate fire becoming more active in the North Fork Fish Creek drainage. The south end of the fire is primarily confined to extremely steep slopes above the lake shore between Canoe and Lone Fir Creeks with little movement.

TODAY’S ACIVITIES: Firefighting efforts today will focus on strengthening protections around structures and resources near the edges of the fire perimeter. Crews will continue work to stabilize roads that provide access for firefighters and heavy equipment in the area of Prince Creek. Incoming weather could increase fire activity along Fish Creek, Hunt’s Creek, Flick Creek, and Surprise Lake. Crews, supported by aerial resources are actively working to stifle fire activity in these areas. Pioneer Fire is a full suppression fire with firefighters utilizing strategies and tactics that provide the highest likelihood of success while mitigating risks to responders and public. All suppression tools are being considered based on availability and effectiveness.

WEATHER: Critical weather conditions continue to produce areas of very active fire behavior. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning through Monday at 8 p.m. A Red Flag Warning is in place for hot, dry and unstable conditions today. Temperatures will remain in the upper 90s to low 100s with cooling expected early next week.

EVACUATIONS: Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation levels remain in effect around the Pioneer Fire. Please visit https://t.ly/QoH9w for more information.

FOREST CLOSURE: Current closures for the North Cascades National Park: https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a closure order in place for much of the fire area: https://bit.ly/PioneerClosure. Campfires are prohibited. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the fire: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_6779.html. Unauthorized drone activity is prohibited under the TFR.
Quick Facts
Size: 29,995 acres
Start Date: June 8, 2024
Location: 31 miles NW of Chelan, WA
Containment: 14%
Personnel: 725
Cause: Human-caused, under investigation
Resources Assigned: 11 crews, 7 helicopters, 28 engines, 26 water tenders, 11 heavy equipment
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-i ... es-pioneer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560760893080
Fire Information Line: 541-861-5808, 8 AM to 8 PM
Email: 2024.pioneer@firenet.gov

[pasayten]

7/21 early morning IR... Shows some movement towards Stehekin...

PDF file...

20240721_c1115_Pioneer_Aircraft3_11x17.pdf

(2.24 MiB) Downloaded 381 times

[pasayten]

7/21/2024 Information Maps

Public:
36 x 48
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... %20day.pdf
8 x 11
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... %20day.pdf

Briefing:
36 x 48
https://ftp.wildfire.gov/public/inciden ... 721day.pdf

[pasayten]

The 7/19 midnight (7/20 0715 UTC) IR flight results... Getting close to the Ovals...

Smoke 7/20 midnight

[just-jim]

.
It’s kind of hard to figure….there has been at least 4 major fires that I can think that have been near to Stehekin over the last 25 or 30 years. Probably more than that. Nobody’s ever suffered any loss that I am aware of in those fires.

But still, people moan and complain ‘why didn't they put it out quicker/when it was smaller/when they had the chance/my buddy saw it start and they coulda caught it, but they did nothin’….etc etc.

I think it is the rise of social media….but it is a common problem that the managers of every large fire have to deal with, anymore.
.

[Rideback]

There is also a statement out from Hillary Franz.
Both are likely in response to a large social media buzz from residents and friends of Stehekin who felt their plight was not being met with the utmost effects to protect.
With the fire now 3 miles away from the community, it's no wonder they're calling for more resources.

[pasayten]

PRESS RELEASE:

Chelan County Sheriff's Office:
‘Protecting Stehekin, its citizens our top priority in 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 https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-i ... es-pioneer

Pioneer and Easy Fires Information

Pioneer Fire Information telephone line: 541-861-5808.

Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map https://chelangis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ ... 6b25434e03

Chelan County Emergency Management Active Emergencies
https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-m ... mergencies

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."

Link to Everbridge signup: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-m ... ncy-alerts

[pasayten]

Quick Facts for July 20, 2024:
#PioneerFire2024
• 26,137 acres*
• 14% contained
• Cause: Under investigation
• 14 crews, 8 helicopters, 27 engines, 24 water tenders, 19 heavy equipment
(*Pending updated IR data)