A wildfire growing rapidly east of the Columbia River near the U.S. 97 and Chelan Hills Acres Road intersection triggered Level 3 “Get Out Now” evacuations, closed portions of SR 97, and drew a large multi-agency response after it broke out just after midnight
ORONDO, Wash. — Just after midnight, a wildfire ignited near the intersection of U.S. 97 and Chelan Hills Acres Road east of Lake Chelan, and by morning the response had escalated fast: Level 3 “Get Out Now” evacuations, road closures, and firefighters streaming in from across the region.
The fire was reported shortly after crews finished extinguishing another fire on Boyd Road. Dry conditions helped it spread quickly, pushing the blaze up a hillside and drawing enough concern that emergency crews began focusing on protecting homes and slowing the fire’s growth.
By Saturday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office estimated the fire at 5,000 acres and growing, burning east of the Columbia River. Firefighters continued working through the day with an eye on containment as the threat moved.
SR 97 became a key part of the danger map. Washington State Patrol closed the highway in Douglas County between Beebe Bridge and MP 232. urging drivers to use the 97 Alternate for a detour. The closure expanded as the threat shifted: U.S. 97 remained closed between mile marker 232 and McNeil Canyon Road.
Evacuations followed the fire’s path. Level 3 “Get Out Now” orders were issued and extended north to Road 20NW and Beebe Ranch. The fire jumped McNeil Canyon and was spreading north and north-east, according to sheriff’s office officials.
The most sweeping orders were for the McNeil Canyon area. Level 3 Evacuation Notices were issued to ALL of McNeil Canyon. with “GET OUT NOW” applied to all roads in the area. The notice includes all residences addressed on McNeil Canyon Road. and it also covers every connected road listed for McNeil Canyon Road.
That list includes: Coyote Curve Ln. Mtn Springs Rd. Utopia Dr. Thomas Dr. Eagles Nest Rd. Sunflower Ln. Yarbrough Dr. Quartz Dr. Pine hollow Dr. Yellow Topaz Ln. Red Rose Ln. Amethyst ln. Ridge Rd. Alabaster Dr. Soapstone Dr. Spring Canyon Rd. Shear Granite Dr. Pebble Dr. Haystack Dr. Boulder Rd. Corral Creek Dr. Hedwig Rd. Geneva Dr. Melrose Ln. Buyas Dr. Honey Gold Dr. Imperial Ln. Keepsake Ln. Bigelow Springs Rd. Alta Vista Way. Blue Sky Ln. Canyon View Ln and Dancing Deer Dr.
Emergency officials urged residents to leave immediately if instructed by law enforcement or firefighters. The guidance was direct: take family members, pets, medications, important documents, and other essential items. Officials said the evacuation orders were issued to protect lives.
For those forced to move quickly, the Red Cross shelter is available for all evacuees at Chelan Elementary School, located at 324 East Johnson Ave in Chelan. An image of the current evacuation map on July 4, 2026, was shared courtesy of Douglas County.
The situation was still developing Saturday, with officials continuing to work to protect homes and limit how far the fire could spread.
Chelan Hills fire Lake Chelan wildfire Get Out Now evacuation SR 97 closure McNeil Canyon Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Washington State Patrol Red Cross shelter