Pioneer fire near Washington state lake Chelan escalates level 3 evacuation

The Pioneer fire near Lake Chelan in Washington State has escalated over the weekend, prompting authorities to extend Level 3 evacuations amidst its rapid expansion. Starting on the east side of Lake Chelan on June 8, the fire has now swelled to over 7,100 acres, with containment efforts still at 14%.

The fire, which began at 10-15 acres surged within days reaching 1,500 acres by June 14 when a state of emergency was declared. Initial containment progress saw evacuations reduced from Level 3 to Level 2 on June 28 as the fire plateaued around 4,700 acres.

However, conditions worsened on July 4, with warmer and drier weather fueling its spread north and south. By Friday, the fire had grown to 5,465 acres and further expanded to 7,180 acres by Saturday evening.

North of the Level 3 evacuation zone, residents face Level 2 evacuations from Moore Point to Flick Creek, with Level 1 advisories extending to Hazard Creek. South of the fire's epicenter, Level 2 evacuations stretch from Safety Harbor to Camas Creek, with Level 1 advisories from Camas Creek to Mitchell Creek.

The Washington Department of Natural Resources has issued clear evacuation guidelines: Level 1 advises residents to be alert and prepared, Level 2 urges readiness to evacuate at short notice, and Level 3 mandates immediate evacuation.