Burn restrictions lift as fall lowers wildfire risk across Chelan County

CHELAN COUNTY – Wildfire danger has subdued as fall sets in North Central Washington, with burn restrictions and evacuation levels lifting across the region.

Nearly a week after all evacuation levels were lifted for the contained Lower Sugarloaf Fire, evacuation levels were lifted for the Labor Mountain Fire. While the fire is at 30 percent containment as of Oct. 16, fire officials have reported favorable conditions and minimal fire growth.

However, areas in and around both fires remain closed for public safety. Closures are listed on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website. Fire traffic on Blewett Pass remains present as firefighters continue managing the Labor Mountain Fire; travelers are asked to use caution and reduce speeds when fire traffic is present.

After a two-week extension due to dry conditions and active fires, burn restrictions have been lifted for Chelan County, allowing outdoor burning – such as burn piles and prescribed burns – to begin for the season.

The U.S. Forest Service resumed prescribed fire operations on Oct. 16, with operations continuing through fall and winter as conditions allow. The prescribed fires aim to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a map of planned, active and complete prescribed burns, and plans to provide updates via social media and the forest website. The Forest Service advises the public to check for closures and warning signs in areas where prescribed burns are taking place. Smoke may affect residents; air quality updates can be found on the AirNow website.

Cascadia Prescribed Burn Association’s first burn of the fall takes place on Oct. 17, bringing the community together to observe, learn, and participate in a 10-acre prescribed burn on a private property in Chelan. The association partners with community members, organizations and agencies to use controlled burns as a tool for education and land management, improving forest health, wildfire resilience and wildlife habitat.

Before burning outdoors, residents should review state and local requirements. In general, burn piles may only contain natural yard debris, must be attended at all times, include a water source or other means to extinguish the fire, and cannot exceed four feet by four feet. Residents must confirm their burn is on an approved burn day through the Washington Department of Ecology. For daily burn decisions and additional guidance, contact Ecology at 800-406-5322.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media