Lower Sugarloaf Fire Update Thursday, September 18, 2025

On September 18, 2025, Northwest Team 2 took command of the Lower Sugarloaf and Labor Mountain Fires, which have reached 20,098 acres with 20% containment. The team is employing both direct and indirect line construction strategies to combat the fire. Firefighters are conducting burning operations to clean up fuels and are actively clearing forest roads to facilitate access for emergency crews. Smoke from the fires is affecting visibility in communities like Plain, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Entiat, leading to an Air Quality Alert from the National Weather Service. Chelan County Emergency Management has issued level 1 and 2 evacuation advisories for parts of the fire area.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a forest closure for public safety. Firefighters emphasize the importance of avoiding drone use in the area to protect aerial resources. The incident management team will continue to provide updates and engage with the public regarding fire activity.