Chelan Hills Fire Expands to Up to 20,000 Acres, Evacuations Remain at Highest Level
The Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County has grown to between 15,000 and 20,000 acres, prompting Level 3 evacuation orders and the opening of a shelter at Chelan Elementary School.
The Chelan Hills Fire, located near the intersection of US 97 and Chelon Hills Acres Road in Orondo, Washington, has burned an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 acres, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The blaze has destroyed at least a dozen homes and other structures, though no deaths or injuries have been reported.
Evacuation orders remain at Level 3, the highest alert level, and residents in the affected area are being urged to leave immediately. An evacuation shelter has been established at Chelan Elementary School, 324 East Johnson Avenue.
Fire officials said the fire is being driven by dry conditions, and the cause of the ignition is still under investigation. The sheriff’s office confirmed the fire’s rapid expansion despite ongoing containment efforts.
