Public Works

Sleepy Hollow Fire

Sleepy Hollow Fire

On June 28, 2015, fire swept through Wenatchee, destroying dozens of homes and ultimately scorching nearly 3000 acres.  The fire burned hillsides and stripped them of vegetation vital for stabilizing these slopes.  Then, on August 14, several lightning strike fires began early in the day, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, to become the Chelan Complex Fires, which has burned dozens of homes and outbuildings and scorched over 95,000 acres.  Now stripped of this vegetation and blackened from heat, these hillsides are at increased risk for severe run off of debris during a rain event.  

As experienced in the aftermath of past fires, the impact of the rainfall over a burned area can be severe.  The burned surface cannot absorb even light to normal rainfall, causing the precipitation to travel quickly and take rocks, dirt and other debris with it and overwhelm drainage systems.  In response to the Sleepy Hollow Fire, on July 9, 2015 Chelan County Public Works installed a larger second culvert under Scenicview Drive between Sleepy Hollow Heights and Skyview Court where this run off is now more likely to occur.  This increased capacity is expected to better convey material and water should precipitation cause a run off event.

There is no way to prevent flooding and steps to mitigate the impact can only reduce the impact to public infastructure and private property.  But there are steps property owners can take to reduce the damage to homes and property.  Most of these options are affordable and require only a little preparation.

First and foremost, it is vital to maintain drainways on your property, whether they be natural or developed and to cut back brush, remove rock and yard waste and any structures that might impede conveyance of run off.  If you have a culvert under your driveway, regular inspection and removal of any materials will help the culvert not to be overwhelmed and back up over your driveway and into your yard and the roadway.  If you see a clogged culvert in your neighborhood that is the County's responsibility, contact the County to make a service request to address the issue.

More information regarding post-fire recovery:

Posted: 07/14/2015 01:43 PM
Last Updated: 09/09/2015 03:35 PM

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