Chelan Hills Wildfire Grows, Evacuations Remain as Highway Reopens

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office and fire officials said the Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County expanded to between 15,000 and 20,000 acres, triggering Level 3 evacuation orders, according to KIRO 7 News Seattle. The rapid growth forced authorities to impose the highest evacuation level for residents in the affected area. A temporary shelter was opened at Chelan Elementary School to house displaced families, KIRO 7 News Seattle reported. Subsequent assessments reported by KOMO indicated the fire had burned roughly 9,000 acres.

Based on the reduced footprint, officials reopened a segment of U. S. Highway 97 to restore traffic flow. Despite the reopening, evacuation orders continued to be enforced for communities still at risk.