Single Publication

Airplane Lake Fire Update  --  September 11, 2023 – 1 p.m.

Contact:  Wenatchee River Ranger District Office, 509-548-2550

• Size:  5,908 acres
• Containment:  0%
• Location:  In the White River drainage area of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, between the Pacific Crest Trail and Thunder Creek, northwest of Plain, WA.
• Start date:  July 7, 2023
• Cause:  Lightning
• Closures:  Areas immediately around the fire are closed including White River Trail, Boulder Creek Trail, Indian Creek Trail, White River Road beyond Tall Timbers, White River Falls Campground, and Grasshopper Meadows Campground. Go to this link https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices/?aid=82646 for the full closure order. The closure order is currently being revised to add a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail located north of Dishpan Gap and south of White Pass. The Bald Eagle Trail can be used as an alternative route.
• Evacuations:  Chelan County has issued a Level 1 (Ready) evacuation notice for the White River Road (FS Road 6400) to the west of Tall Timbers Ranch. The Level 1 DOES NOT impact any county roads or right-of-way, or homes. It also does not impact Tall Timber Lodge. Please always check directly with the County for the most current evacuation information.

The fire is now estimated to be 5,908 acres and grows a few acres each day. Fire personnel will continue to assess the situation and take advantage of opportunities to control the fire utilizing natural features like rock escarpments, wet drainage bottoms and old fire scars to contain the fire and will adjust current monitor and confinement tactics as needed.

A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail from Dishpan Gap to south of White Pass (in the Glacier Peak Wilderness) remains closed due to the proximity of the fire. Hikers and hunters are encouraged to avoid the area.

The weather forecast shows the potential for an east wind event on Thursday-Friday, September 14-15. If this occurs, we can expect some potential movement of the fire to the west during this time. The good news is that with the cooler temperatures and the reduced hours of daily sunlight, burn periods are also getting shorter. 

Information will be updated as there are significant events or changes to report. We ask people to help do their part to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and follow campfire restrictions:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600