The Pioneer Creek Fire, erupting near the north shore of Lake Chelan, triggered a multi-agency response on June 8th and 9th, 2024, necessitating hiker rescues and prompting closures along the popular Lakeshore Trail. Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Marine 1 played a crucial role in the operations, navigating the lake to reach affected areas inaccessible by road.
Reports from the Central Washington Interagency Communication Center (CWICC) indicated that the wildfire had spread across the Lakeshore Trail, impacting hikers between Prince Creek and Stehekin. Initial concerns included unconfirmed reports of hiker injuries near the blaze, although helicopter crews were unable to ascertain details.
Responding swiftly, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deployed Marine 1. This vessel, designed for up-lake travel, is equipped to transport up to 15 passengers, proving invaluable for the unfolding rescue mission. Marine 1 initially checked docks in the vicinity, making contact with hikers at Moore Point. There, they successfully evacuated seven hikers who required safe passage down the lake, away from the encroaching Pioneer Creek Fire.
Further complicating the situation, a third-party report emerged concerning a 16-year-old hiker separated from their family along the trail. This was followed by a distress signal relayed by Global Rescue, a satellite emergency service, pinpointing a group of two hikers with a 16-year-old in the Meadow Creek area, urgently requesting medical assistance.
Marine 1 was redirected to Meadow Creek dock to locate and assist this group. The 16-year-old was confirmed to be the missing hiker. Following assessment, he was safely transported to Prince Creek, where he was joyfully reunited with his family. The remaining hikers from Meadow Creek were then taken to Field’s Point, ensuring their safe evacuation from the area impacted by the Pioneer Creek Fire.
The response to the Pioneer Creek Fire continued into Sunday, June 9th, with CCSO Marine Patrol again utilizing Marine 1. This time, the focus shifted to proactive measures: disseminating fire evacuation notifications throughout the area and engaging with any hikers potentially still on the Lakeshore Trail. Level 1 evacuation notices were posted at all docks between Canoe Creek and Meadow Creek as a precautionary measure. Rex Creek faced a more serious Level 3 evacuation notice, indicating a higher level of risk. Deputies made contact with individuals at Canoe Creek, who confirmed they did not require assistance, and spoke with hikers at Moore Point who, at that time, intended to continue their trek towards Stehekin, before being advised of the trail closures further down the Lakeshore Trail due to the Pioneer Creek Fire.
Currently, the Lakeshore Trail is officially closed to hikers from Prince Creek to Moore Point due to the ongoing Pioneer Creek Fire. The National Park Service provided crucial communication support to CCSO throughout these operations. For up-to-date and detailed information regarding the Pioneer Creek Fire, the public is advised to contact the US Forest Service (USFS) or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The swift response and collaborative efforts highlight the importance of coordinated emergency services in managing wildfire situations and ensuring public safety, particularly in remote and challenging terrains like the Lakeshore Trail area affected by the Pioneer Creek Fire.
