[UPDATE] Transfer Fire grows to 40 acres, prompts Chelan evacuations

UPDATE (6:03 p.m.): Fire crews have stopped the forward progress of the Transfer Fire near Chelan after the blaze burned an estimated 35 acres Sunday afternoon, according to Incident Command.

Crews remained on scene Sunday evening conducting mop-up operations and strengthening containment lines around the fire. No containment percentage had been reported as of press time.

An emergency center has opened at Chelan United Methodist Church, 206 Emerson St., for residents affected by the fire. Officials said the center provides a temporary location for people seeking information, resources and assistance while assessing their next steps.

The fire, which was initially reported shortly after 1 p.m., grew rapidly in grass and brush fuels, prompting a large response that included multiple aircraft, helicopters and ground crews. At its peak, the fire was estimated at 40 acres and threatened nearby homes and transportation corridors.

U.S. Highway 97A remained closed Sunday evening between mileposts 235 and 237 near Chelan because of fire activity, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

No injuries or structure losses had been reported as of Sunday evening. This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.

July 12, 2026

2:42 pm

CHELAN — A rapidly growing wildfire west of U.S. Highway 97 forced evacuations and closed a portion of the highway Sunday afternoon, July 12, as firefighters worked to protect homes on the south edge of Chelan.

The Transfer Fire grew from an initial report of less than an acre shortly after 1 p.m. to an estimated 40 acres by mid-afternoon. The fire is burning on the hillside east of Lake Chelan Health and Walmart, between U.S. Highway 97 and State Route 97A.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office first issued a Level 3 "Leave Now" evacuation for Willmorth Drive before expanding evacuation orders to Columbia View Road and Atkins Heights Lane. A Level 2 evacuation for the latter area was upgraded to Level 3 as fire activity increased.

Current Level 3 evacuation areas include Willmorth Drive, Columbia View Road and Atkins Heights Lane. The sheriff's office said current conditions present an immediate threat to life and safety, and residents should leave the area immediately.

The fire's rapid growth in dry grass and brush pushed it toward hillside homes overlooking the south entrance to Chelan, prompting authorities to widen evacuation orders within the first hour of the incident.

Aircraft, including helicopters requested through the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, joined firefighters on the ground as crews worked to slow the fire's spread and protect threatened structures.

U.S. Highway 97 was closed in the vicinity of the fire Sunday afternoon. As of publication, State Route 97A remained open, though travelers should expect changing conditions as firefighting operations continue.

No injuries or structure losses had been reported as of publication.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official information from Chelan County Emergency Management and the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, as evacuation areas and road closures may change as firefighters continue their response.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media