SISI

Level 1 Ready advisory remains for Stehekin as fire backs along drainages

The Sisi Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain roughly ten miles northwest of Stehekin, spanning the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Over the past 72 hours, fire activity has remained moderate, with flames backing and creeping down slopes toward the Stehekin River and Agnes Creek under a dense timber canopy. Nearby residences in the Stehekin area continue to face potential threat.

Evacuations and Closures

• Level 1 'Ready' evacuation advisory remains in effect for Stehekin (October 15).
• Pacific Crest Trail 2000 is closed between High Bridge and the North Cascades National Park boundary along Agnes Creek, extending through the Chelan Ranger District (October 17).
• Company Creek Trail is closed between the trailhead and the park boundary in North Cascades National Park (October 14).
• General area, road, and trail closures remain in effect throughout the incident area in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (October 17).

Impact

No structural damage or injuries have been reported, though homes in the Stehekin area remain threatened. Smoke continues to drift and settle into surrounding valleys and river drainages.

Conditions and Outlook

Breezy conditions and drizzle will yield to overcast skies, calm winds shifting from the southeast, and cool weather over the coming days. Heavy sheltered fuels under the canopy will sustain slow creeping and backing behavior along drainages. Firefighters are utilizing a full-suppression strategy, working to keep the fire within its current footprint while navigating hazardous steep slopes.

Cause and Context

The fire was ignited naturally by lightning on August 14, 2026, during thunderstorms over the Glacier Peak Wilderness. County emergency officials and partner agencies met on October 14 to brief the community on post-fire hazard assessments and long-term recovery efforts.

Official updates current through October 17, 2026.