Easy Fire projected to be contained sooner than previously expected

The Easy Fire, burning near the North Cascades Highway in the Methow Valley, is 29% contained. The Pioneer Fire—burning over 38,000 acres northwest of Chelan County—is currently 23% contained.

My Bellingham NowPhoto courtesy of U.S. Forest Service

EASY PASS, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Response teams have positive updates regarding the fight to contain two nearby wildfires.

The Easy Fire, burning near the North Cascades Highway in the Methow Valley, is 29% contained.

Fire crews now expect the fire to be fully contained by Sept. 1, a welcome change from past estimates that determined it could burn into October. It has stayed steady in size over the past week at roughly 2,100 acres.

The North Cascades Highway is still closed between milepost 148 at Granite Creek and milepost 157 at Rainy Pass.

Meanwhile, the Pioneer Fire has stepped down from a level three evacuation notice. The community of Stehekin is now under a level two evacuation order, which revokes the previous order for residents to get out immediately, though visitors still aren’t allowed in the area.

The Pioneer Fire—burning over 38,000 acres northwest of Chelan County—is currently 23% contained and expected to burn until the end of October.

There will be a virtual community briefing for both fires on Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m.