Little Giant Fire destroys 26 structures as growth surges in Entiat Valley

CHELAN COUNTY — The Little Giant Fire has claimed approximately 26 structures as fire activity intensified in the upper Entiat Valley over the weekend.

The fire grew to 116,956  acres as of Monday morning, with Red Flag Warning conditions helping drive approximately 34,000 acres of growth since Friday morning’s incident update. Officials reported fire activity significantly increased in the upper Entiat Valley Friday evening, maintaining intensity into Saturday night.

Chelan County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said this activity made it initially unsafe for personnel to conduct a complete assessment of structure losses. However, with slightly better conditions on Sunday, Entiat Fire Chief Adam Jones and department personnel were able to conduct an initial assessment of the damages.

The Entiat Fire Department’s initial assessment found that two primary residences, three cabins and 21 outbuildings had been destroyed by the fire. The team has yet to complete a full assessment, limited by unpredictable fire behavior, compromised trees, rolling debris, and other hazards that continue to pose significant risks.

CCSO said the Chelan County Assessor’s Office will conduct a comprehensive assessment on the damage to include the total number of structures lost, as soon as conditions allow. Chelan County Emergency Management plans to contact individual property owners with additional information as it becomes available. Property owners will be permitted to return to their properties as conditions are determined to be safe, according to CCSO.

Evacuation notices are still in place across Chelan County, including the Lake Wenatchee, the Entiat Valley and Lake Chelan areas. Up to date evacuation orders can be found on the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map. 

The lightning-caused fire, which started July 15 about 22 miles northwest of Leavenworth, has a total of 1,807 personnel assigned to the incident as of Aug. 10. Officials have reported two injuries so far.

The Little Giant Fire, started by lightning on July 15, is located 30 miles NW of Leavenworth, WA. It is in the Chiwawa River drainage on the Wenatchee River Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It was originally estimated at 5 acres

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media