Level 3 evacuations remain in Chelan Fires; more than 50 structures lost

CHELAN, Wash. -- As some public attention shifted to the north with the loss of three firefighters in Okanogan County, Level 3 evacuations remained around Lake Chelan as multiple fires continued to threaten homes, officials said.

Fire officials said Thursday that 39 homes and 28 outbuildings were lost in the Chelan Complex fires, with many more structures unconfirmed. The Chelan Complex fires, the Black Canyon fires and the First Creek fires all burn near Chelan.

A small part of a fire reportedly jumped containment lines Wednesday night, threatening more homes and summer houses. Fire did cross a line at the northwest edge and firefighters worked through the night to contain the spread.

All three fires had burned more than 70,000 acres so far. The Reach Fire was 49 percent contained, the First Creek fire 2 percent contained and the Black Canyon Fire was 2 percent contained. Firing operations will be supported by helicopter water drops as needed. Crews working along the western edge of the fire below that line will continue with structure protection and mop up.

The areas of Antoine Creek, Quiet Valley, Washington Creek, Tenant Lane and South Shore State Park remained under Level 3 mandatory evacuations Thursday. The areas of of Union Valley, Blazing Star, Sunset Ridge, Skyfall, McGinty, Cottontail, Cricket, Bramble and others also remained under Level 2 evacuations.

The Red Cross set up three shelters around Lake Chelan; at MOE Elementary, Sterling Middle School and Brewster Middle School.

A Red Flag Warning in effect until 11:00 pm Friday for dry and unstable conditions with increasing winds. Very critical fire weather conditions continue as a very warm, dry and unstable atmosphere persists over the fire area. Weather today will be sunny and windy, with temperatures ranging from the mid to upper 80s in valleys and mid to lower 70s on ridges.