All evacuation advisories removed as Lower Sugarloaf nears full containment

The Lower Sugarloaf Fire, which ignited on September 1 due to lightning, has reached 90 percent containment, leading Chelan County Emergency Management to lift all evacuation orders on October 10. The blaze has consumed nearly 43,000 acres and is situated near the Entiat and Chumstick communities. Despite reduced fire activity, officials warn of ongoing hazards, including unstable trees and residual hot spots, posing risks to the public and firefighters. Reports indicate an uptick in individuals entering restricted areas, prompting officials to urge compliance with closure orders. Firefighters are actively working to mitigate hazards and ensure that runoff does not impact local waterways.

They are focusing on cutting hazard trees and monitoring for hidden hot spots while maintaining a presence on roads for safety. The fire overlaps with previous burn areas from the 1994 Tyee Fire and the 2018 Cougar Creek Fire, indicating a long history of fire activity in the region. Local officials emphasize the importance of safety as recovery efforts progress.