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Horse Lake Road closes out of concerns for wildfires

Out of concern for potential new wildfires and limited firefighting resources, Chelan County has closed Horse Lake Road in Wenatchee, which leads to the popular Horse Lake Reserve.

The closure, which starts at the gate on the dirt portion of the road, comes at the request of the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department and the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and with the support of the Chelan County fire marshal.

Eric Pierson, Chelan County Public Works director and county engineer, said people should be prepared for the road to be closed for several weeks.

“We will close the road today (Aug. 18) and open it back up when conditions allow,” Pierson said. “Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to put a hard date on reopening, but we will make those decisions after future discussions with the fire department and land trust.”

Chelan County code allows the Board of County Commissioners to close a roadway if extreme hazardous conditions exist or there are concerns for public safety. Areas around Horse Lake Road are extremely dry and the vicinity is vulnerable to wildfire, according to the resolution commissioners signed today.

The National Interagency Fire Center has declared a Level 5 Preparedness across the nation, which means national firefighting resources are dedicated to major wildfires burning throughout the country. In Washington, three large wildfires are now burning a combined 428,000 acres.

Chelan County currently has one of the largest wildfires in the state. The Little Giant Fire was reported at nearly 136,000 acres and 10 percent contained as of Tuesday morning.

Last Updated: 09/16/2026 09:00 AM

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  • 18
    Nov 2026
    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
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    Nov 2026
    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
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    Nov 2026
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    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Nov. 7, 2026

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    Drop-Off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Nov. 7

    Moderate Risk Waste Facility
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    Nov 2026
    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
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    Nov 2026
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM

    Election Day

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

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