Chestnut fire reaches 1,508 acres, 50% contained near Chelan Falls

CHELAN FALLS — Firefighters had contained 50% of the Chestnut Fire as of Sunday after the wildfire burned 1,508 acres in the Chelan Butte area south of Chelan Falls.

Level 1 evacuation advisories, meaning residents should be ready for possible evacuation, remained in effect for Hawks Meadow, Hawk Ridge, Downey Canyon, the Chelan Falls area and Gorge Road.

Chelan County officials issued wireless emergency alerts Friday advising residents in Hawks Meadow, Hawk Ridge and Downey Canyon that visibility could be reduced and that roads and evacuation routes could become blocked. A separate Level 1 advisory was later issued for Chelan Falls.

The fire was first reported at about 10:16 a.m. Friday as a vegetation fire with smoke visible from area cameras. Initial responding crews requested a dozer and helicopter, and the incident was later identified as the Chestnut Fire.

Fire officials reported rapid growth during the afternoon. Incident Command estimated the fire at 5 acres shortly after 11 a.m., while later reports placed the fire at 20 acres by 12:52 p.m. and approximately 1,500 acres by 2:10 p.m.

Air attack personnel reported continued active fire behavior Friday afternoon and ordered additional aerial firefighting resources. Radio traffic indicated a second-alarm response was dispatched.

Downey Canyon Road and Chelan Butte Road were closed to all traffic except residents as fire activity increased.

Watch Duty reported the fire at 1,508 acres with 50% containment Sunday. The cause of the fire was not listed in the information available.

Officials advised residents in affected areas to remain aware of changing conditions and monitor evacuation notices.