Lower Sugarloaf Fire 55 percent contained as crews begin suppression repair

Firefighting crews have achieved 55 percent containment of the 41,000-acre Lower Sugarloaf Fire in Chelan County. Suppression efforts now focus on the southern end, particularly in the Swakane Creek area, where crews employ controlled ignitions and aerial resources for water delivery. Fire Behavior Analyst Nolan Brewer indicated that fire growth is anticipated to be minimal, which decreases the risk of new spot fires. During an Oct. 6 community meeting, Deputy Incident Command Richard Parrish highlighted the significance of suppression repair for restoring access to public lands.

Repair efforts are currently underway along the northern and eastern perimeters to address damage caused by firefighting activities. Evacuation advisories have been lifted along Entiat River Road, with some regions downgraded to a Level 2 status. The community remains encouraged to track air quality conditions through AirNow and stay informed via the Chelan County Emergency Management website. The ongoing suppression repair will involve increased use of heavy equipment as fire crews transition from firefighting to restoration efforts.