A wildfire near Lake Chelan has burned between 15,000 and 20,000 acres since Saturday morning, July 4, 2026.
The blaze destroyed at least a dozen homes and other structures.
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The fire started near the intersection of U. S.
97 and Chelan Hills Acres Road. Dry conditions and high winds fueled its rapid spread.
Level 3 "Get Out Now" evacuation orders were issued for several areas in Douglas County. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office urged residents to leave immediately.
Evacuated zones include Box Canyon Road, Heidi Lane, Combine Road, Jerrys Lane, and all connected routes within the McNeil Canyon area.
Level 2 "Set" warnings are active for Chelan Hills Acres Road, Baty Way, Jackson Canyon Road, and Riverview Road.
The Washington State Patrol authorized state fire assistance at 4:30 a. m.
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Saturday. Local resources were overwhelmed, prompting activation under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.
The State Emergency Operations Center activated Camp Murray at Level 2. Three strike teams, along with water-scooping airplanes and helicopters, were deployed.
The fire jumped McNeil Canyon and advanced northeast. U.
S. 97 was shut down between Beebe Bridge and milepost 232, with no estimated reopening time.
The American Red Cross set up an emergency shelter at Chelan Elementary School, 324 East Johnson Avenue, for displaced residents.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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This is the 15th wildfire in Washington to trigger state mobilization resources in 2026. Governor Ferguson expressed support for affected residents and firefighters, urging compliance with evacuation orders.
