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Fire hazard rating raised to 'extreme'

Extreme fire restrictions are now in place throughout Chelan County.

Chelan County commissioners on July 19 raised the fire hazard level to “extreme” – the highest level of restriction allowed by county code. The fire hazard level was set to extreme in both the Valley and Chelan Mountain zones.

With the current dry conditions in the county, the extreme fire hazard level may not come down until September, warned Chelan County Fire Marshal Bob Plumb.

“The ongoing Red Apple Fire is an in-your-face reminder of the conditions that exist throughout Chelan County,” Plumb said. The Red Apple Fire, which is nearly contained, started July 13 near Monitor and is at 12,288 acres.

Chelan County Public Works crews are working to install nearly 70 signs around the county indicating the extreme conditions. Under the extreme level, temporary barricades also are placed at 17 county roads for added emphasis and public awareness. The barricades do not mean a road is closed; they are typically placed on roads that lead to U.S. Forest Service roads.

“The barricades are meant to give people a heightened awareness that where they are going may become dangerous very quickly if a wildfire should occur,” Plumb said.

Other area activity and road travel restrictions include:

  • No operation of any motor vehicles off the road
  • No fireworks
  • No outdoor fires or outdoor open flame devices
  • Use of charcoal briquettes is prohibited unless used in a commercially made and listed barbeque at the owner’s personal residence

Watch the Chelan County website at for any updates or road closures due to wildfires. The website also has the Chelan County code (Chapter 7.52) and the resolution signed today by the Board of County Commissioners.

Last Updated: 09/01/2021 04:03 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 02
    Feb 2026
    09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Registration deadline for new voters or address updates by mail, online, email or over the phone.

  • 23
    Jan 2026
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Ballots will be mailed to voters

  • 23
    Jan 2026
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Voting Center is open for 18 days in Election's Office

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Voting Center is open for 18 days in Election's Office

  • 22
    Jan 2026
    10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Public Meeting: Official Logic and Accuracy Test of Voting System and Accessible Voting Unit (AVU) Demonstration

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 14
    Jan 2026
    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 January 14, 2026.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1