UPDATE: October 3, 2025 at 10:25 p.m.
The Lower Sugarloaf Fire has burned 39,594 acres and fire personnel have achieved 55% containment, according to the Complex Incident Management Northwest Team 10 (NW10).
Officials reported that fire crews are focused on reinforcing the work that has been completed and responding to spot fires as higher winds have been forecasted.
The most active fire behavior has been observed in the Swakane Creek drainage, according to NW10.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation orders remain in place for residents in the area. Details of these evacuation orders can be found on the Chelan County Emergency Management website.
Additionally, closures remain in effect for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which can be viewed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
UPDATE: September 26, 2025 at 10:35 p.m.
The Lower Sugarloaf Fire has burned 34,695 acres since it began on September 1. Containment is currently at 32%, with 1,570 personnel working to control the blaze, according to the Northwest Team 2 Complex Incident Management Team.
Chelan County Emergency Management (CCEM) has issued various evacuation orders that remain in place. For specific details of these evacuation orders, visit the CCEM website.
An American Red Cross Shelter is available for evacuees at the Entiat Warehouse Community Church, located at 14916 US 97A in Entiat.
The fire has become well-established in the Swakane Creek drainage, moving towards Highway 97A. Fire crews are prioritizing community protection in Chelan County, with additional resources deployed by the Washington State Mobilization Program.
On Friday, crews focused on securing fire lines and establishing control around key areas such as Swakane Creek and Roaring Creek drainage. The Structure Protection Group worked in evacuated areas, while other firefighters aimed to hold the fire at Road 5808 near Sugarloaf Mountain. Aircraft support remains available for targeted retardant and water drops.
A community meeting is planned for Saturday, September 27. However, the time and place for the meeting have yet to be determined.
A virtual public meeting was held on Friday night, during which officials gave the Chelan County community updates on operations, fire behavior, weather and evacuation information. The meeting can be viewed here.
UPDATE: September 23, 2025 at 7:22 p.m.
The Lower Sugarloaf Fire has rapidly expanded, now burning nearly 30,000 acres.
Chelan County Emergency Management has issued evacuation orders at levels one, two and three for affected areas, including a Level 3 evacuation for Entiat Valley.
A Red Cross shelter has been established at the Entiat Warehouse Community Church to assist those displaced by the fire.
Both the Lower Sugarloaf Fire and the Labor Mountain Fire were ignited by lightning strikes.
CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. – The Chelan County Commission has declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing Pomas and Lower Sugarloaf Fires.
The declaration aims to prioritize public safety and enhance emergency response efforts.
The Pomas Fire, which broke out on Friday, June 13, in the Entiat Valley area, is advancing toward the communities of Lucerne and Holden Village.
Meanwhile, the Lower Sugarloaf Fire, which started on Monday, September 1, near Leavenworth, is threatening the communities of Entiat and Plain.
As of September 8, 2025, several areas are under evacuation orders.
A Level 3 Evacuation is in place for the community of Ardenvoir, along the west side of the Entiat River between 8213 and 10679 Entiat River Rd. Areas under a Level 2 Evacuation include Entiat River Rd from Roaring Creek Rd to 10730 Entiat River Rd, Mud Creek Rd, Steliko, and the lower portion of Crum Canyon.
On the west side of the fire, the Upper Chumstick Highway, including Merry Canyon, Second Creek, Dry Creek, Little Chumstick, and Moon Canyon, is under a Level 2 Evacuation. Level 1 Evacuation orders are in effect for Fish Pond Lane, the east side of Chumstick Highway from Eagle Creek to Little Chumstick, and several other areas.
Chelan County Commissioners emphasized the need for swift action, stating that requiring an official declaration during a session or special meeting is a time-consuming formality not in the best interest of county citizens.
Article originally published September 10, 2025 at 5:56 p.m.
