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Chelan County declares disaster for second time this summer

For the second time in just over a month, a state of emergency has been declared in Chelan County in response to a wildfire.

The Twenty-Five Mile Fire started the afternoon of Aug. 15 and by morning had burned some 4,000 acres. The origin of the fire has been identified as being near Shady Pass Campground; the cause is under investigation. One structure has been destroyed. A Type 3 incident management team is leading firefighting efforts.

Chelan County commissioners on Monday signed a resolution, declaring the disaster. The emergency declaration affords commissioners the ability to use local resources without going through the typical government bidding process for goods and services. It is also generally a prerequisite for most state and federal recovery assistance funding.

“We want to avoid declaring a third disaster in Chelan County this summer,” Commissioner Bob Bugert said. “We all should use a much higher level of caution during wildfire season and join together in preventing these disasters.”

On July 13, the Red Apple Fire started near a road beside an orchard on Red Apple Road near Cashmere. The wildfire ultimately burned 12,288 acres and threatened to destroy hundreds of homes in the Sunnyslope area. No homes were lost; however, five structures were burned. A state of emergency was determined at that time.

A variety of evacuation levels, impacting 327 homes, were in place Aug. 16 for the Twenty-Five Mile Fire. Level 3 (Go!) evacuation levels are on for Shady Pass Road and South Lakeshore Road, from just above Fields Point Landing Road to the end of the road. Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation levels are from Fields Point Landing Road to Morning Sun Drive. And Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation levels are from Morning Sun Drive to Kelly’s Resort (12800 South Lakeshore Road).

Chelan County Fire Marshal Bob Plumb warns that everyone must reconsider their actions when in the outdoors. One recent local fire was started when a lawnmower hit a rock, and another appears to have been started by target shooting in a local canyon, he said.

“We don’t have the resources to fight large wildfires right now,” Plumb said. “State resources are dedicated, fighting fires around the state. If we get another big fire in Chelan County, our firefighting resources may be overwhelmed.”

For updates on the wildfire, monitor social media sites for Chelan County Emergency Management and the Twentyfive Mile Fire.

 

Last Updated: 08/24/2021 09:05 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office