Stehekin - Due to continued fire growth and a concern for public and fire fighter safety, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Harum, in partnership with North Cascades National Park Service Complex and fire managers, has initiated a Level 3 Evacuation Notice for the Stehekin Landing and along the lakeshore up to the corner of Buehler’s Bluff.  In addition, a level 2 Evacuation notice is now in effect for the Stehekin Valley Road from the north side of Buehler’s Bluff to the Harlequin Bridge. This notice includes all residents along both side of Stehekin Valley Road. The remaining area of Stehekin Valley is still in a Level 1.

Fire managers have been continuously reassessing fire behavior and the down hill progression of the fire in the Hazard Creek and Purple Creek drainages. On Friday, an inversion lifted and fire managers were able to utilize available air resources.  In anticipation of possible burnout operations and continued fire activity, Unified Command has issued a Level 3 Evacuation notice at the Stehekin Landing for public and fire fighter safety.  The Level 3 Evacuation notice along the lakeshore up to the corner of Buehler’s Bluff is necessary due to the possibility of rolling rocks and debris from fire in the Purple Creek drainage. 

A Level 3 evacuation means: “A current and immediate threat exists from the fire.  People are advised to leave the area immediately.  Specific instructions will be provided as to evacuation routes and shelter locations.  Access to the area will be restricted until the threat is over.” (From the Flick Creek Fire Evacuation Plan, updated August 23, 2006.)

The Golden West Visitor Center will be closed at noon today until this notice is reduced or removed.  The National Park Service has established an information center at the Orchard. All National Park Service boat launches are closed to nonresidents during this Level 3 Evacuation Notice. 

The Red Cross has been notified to evaluate the need for an evacuation shelter in concert with Unified Command.  The remainder of the Stehekin Valley is currently in a Level 1 Evacuation notice.

If you have questions regarding this notification, please contact the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office at 509-667-6850 or 509-630-7511, or Fire Information at 509-784-9039