Chelan County’s Fire Hazard Level Now ‘Very High’

The Fire Hazard Level has increased again in Chelan County.

After a conference call last week, the agencies that oversee the fire hazard throughout Eastern Washington began pushing for fire levels to increase again due to how dry fuels have become.

Chelan County Commissioners decided Monday to increase the Fire Hazard Level for all unincorporated areas of the county to 'Very High'.

According to Fire Marshal Bob Plumb, the purpose of the move is to stop, or at least curtail, ignition sources and human-caused fire.

Plumb said the biggest difference in the jump from 'High' to 'Very High' is that recreational campfires, even on private property, are banned. Barbeques and propane-fueled fire rings are still permitted.

Plumb added that there is not much difference between 'Very High' and 'Extreme', the most severe level. Under 'Extreme', some roads will be blocked to discourage people from traveling into the mountains. The hope is the county will still avoid the need to move the Fire Hazard Level to 'Extreme'.

Open burning in unincorporated Chelan County was closed June 1st. Restrictions will remain in place until October 1st.