Stehekin, a secluded town in Washington State, has welcomed back visitors following the progress firefighters made in containing the Pioneer Fire, thanks to recent rainfall.
Located in Chelan County, the remote town of Stehekin is once again accessible to tourists after firefighters significantly contained the Pioneer Fire. The blaze, which has consumed 38,735 acres at the northern tip of Lake Chelan, approximately 31 miles northwest of Chelan, is now 23% contained. Earlier in August, strong winds exacerbated the fire, leading to evacuation orders in Stehekin.
Fire officials reported that the storm system over the past weekend delivered over an inch of rainfall to the affected region. This substantial precipitation greatly aided fire suppression efforts. On Monday, firefighting crews focused on maintaining the containment lines and initiating essential road repairs to ensure accessibility and safety.
While fire activity has noticeably diminished, firefighters are still actively addressing residual heat pockets to prevent any potential flare-ups. The reopening of Stehekin, a town uniquely accessible only via hiking trails, ferry, or airplane, comes with some adjustments. Many services, including campgrounds and trails, are currently operating at a reduced capacity. Visitors are strongly advised to verify the availability of services before planning their trip to Stehekin.
The investigation into the cause of the Pioneer Fire is still ongoing.
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