CHELAN HILLS

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Chelan Hills Fire ignited just after midnight (approximately 12:05 a.m.) on Saturday, July 4, 2026, near mile marker 233 on U.S. Highway 97 in Orondo, Douglas County, Washington.
Size and Containment: As of July 9, 2026, the fire has burned between 9,735 and 9,861 acres and is currently estimated to be between 50% and 75% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Igniting in dry grass and brush, the fire spread aggressively uphill and jumped McNeil Canyon. Driven by high winds and extremely dry conditions, the fire grew rapidly to thousands of acres within hours. The combination of wind and topography created a localized "firestorm" effect in the canyons, forcing initial fire crews to temporarily retreat to safe zones.
Containment Efforts: State mobilization was authorized early in the incident. The unified response involves the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, local fire and EMS, the Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team, and numerous state and federal agencies. Firefighters have made significant progress over the last 72 hours establishing perimeters, with suppression costs estimated at approximately $1.7 million.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect for several areas, including McNeil Canyon, Northwest Road 20, and Beebe Ranch. Approximately 500 people were evacuated from the area at the peak of the fire's spread.
Evacuation Warnings: No additional evacuation warnings are currently active outside of the Level 3 zones, but residents in surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant.
Curfew: No official curfews have been reported, but the public is strictly asked to stay out of the incident area to allow first responders to work safely.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: An emergency evacuation shelter has been established at Chelan Elementary School, located at 324 East Johnson Avenue, Chelan.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Hard road closures and roadblocks are maintained around McNeil Canyon, Northwest Road 20, and Beebe Ranch. Only residents who can prove their address are being allowed through the roadblocks to check on their properties.
• U.S. Highway 97 experienced closures between mileposts 232 and 235 (including the Beebe Bridge). While some sections have reopened to facilitate movement, travelers should check current conditions and avoid the area if possible.

For more information, visit:

• Douglas County Emergency Management
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildfire Information
• WFCA Fire Map

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed. A person died after their vehicle slid off the road during an evacuation and was consumed by the fire. Additionally, firefighters have suffered minor burns, smoke inhalation, and heat-related illnesses while battling the intense flames.
Structures Impacted: Upwards of 100 structures have been destroyed by the fire. This includes 25 primary homes affected, with 19 considered a total loss. Dozens of secondary structures, such as barns, garages, and sheds, were also destroyed.
School and Business Closures: The Hobbit Inn, a popular vacation property in Orondo, was completely destroyed by the fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire burned at extreme temperatures, melting vehicles and leaving a "moonscape" of destruction in its wake. Several residents have also reported the heartbreaking loss of livestock and pets.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: Local Public Utility Districts (PUDs) have been working non-stop alongside first responders, indicating impacts on local utility infrastructure. Residents returning to the area should be prepared for potential service interruptions.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories and boil-water notices if on private wells impacted by power loss.
Burn Bans: Extreme fire danger persists across Douglas County. Residents must adhere to all local burn bans and strict fire restrictions.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire poses health risks. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children, should limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have made a significant dent in the fire over the last 72 hours, reaching up to 75% containment. Crews continue working to keep the fire within its established perimeter and are heavily focused on mopping up hot spots.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Red Flag Warning conditions (hot, dry weather, and gusty winds) have been a major challenge. A cooling trend is forecast to begin today, which will moderate temperatures into the 70s and 80s. However, this weather shift comes with increased westerly winds, which crews will monitor closely to prevent the fire from jumping containment lines.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire is currently under a criminal investigation and is believed to be human-caused. Investigators are following up on leads—including reports of fireworks being set off from a vehicle on Highway 97—and are weighing potential arson and manslaughter charges.
Weather and Climate: Extreme fire weather conditions heavily influenced the fire's rapid and destructive spread. High heat, critically low humidity, and shifting, gusty winds pushed the flames aggressively through the dry, rural landscape. These climate-driven conditions overwhelmed initial attack efforts and created a localized firestorm that made the blaze incredibly difficult to fight in its early hours.

For more information, visit:

• Douglas County Emergency Management
• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildfire Information
• WFCA Fire Map