Red Apple Fire Update

Update 8:00 a.m. 7/16

The Red Apple Fire is at 11,000 acres with 10% containment as of Friday morning, however fire officials are expectant for that containment number to rise by Friday afternoon, early evening. No primary residence has been lost to the Red Apple Fire as of Friday morning, thanks to the emphasis on structure protection from firefighters.

Update 9 a.m. 7/15

The Red Apple Fire is at 9,000 acres and 10% containment.
There are 893 homes on level one evacuation orders, 980 residences are under a level two evacuation order, meaning get set, and 134 residences are under a level 3 (GO NOW) order.
More heavy equipment and air tankers are on the way to assist with the fire and a Type 1 incident management team has been requested with arrival expected today at some point.

UPDATE 11:33 pm 7/14

Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notices have been issued for Warner Canyon.

UPDATE 6:13 pm 7/14

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office sent out a press release this afternoon regarding the investigation into the origins of the fire. It reads in part:

"Chelan County Sheriff’s Detectives assisted the Chelan County Fire Marshall and BLM Fire Investigators in writing and executing a search warrant at a nearby residence believed to be the origin of the fire. At the time of this report, detectives and other investigators are actively investigating the case. Information will be updated as soon as possible and as the case investigation allows."

UPDATE 6:01 pm 7/14

The Red Apple Fire continues to burn north of Wenatchee. The blaze is now thought to be around 9,000 acres.

Nahahum and Warner Canyons are now under Level 2 evacuation notices.

Everything above Easy Street from US 2 to American Fruit Road has been reduced to Level 2, as has everything everything above American Fruit Road to Burch Mountain Road. Those below Easy Street and American Fruit Road are now under Level 1 evacuation orders.

UPDATE 3:55 pm 7/14

Swakane Canyon is now under a Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation notice, while Nahahum Canyon and Warner Canyon have been placed under a Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation notice according to Chelan County Emergency Management

UPDATE 1:30 pm 7/14

The Red Apple Fire, burning north of Wenatchee, is now at 7,000 acres with no word yet on containment.

CWICC Assistant Center Manager of Operations Josh Gibbs said local resources from across the region have responded as well as personnel and equipment from the DNR, BLM, US Forest Service and the state Fire Marshal's Office.

"We've got a Type 3 (Incident Management) Team that's coming in to take over the fire today." explained Gibbs, "Also on order is a Type 1 Incident Management Team and they'll be taking over tomorrow."

Level 3 (LEAVE NOW) evacuation notices are in place for all businesses and residents on or above American Fruit Road all the way to School Street in Sunnyslope as well as both sides of Burch Mountain. 1,065 residences are under Level 3 evacuation notices. No structures are thought to have been lost.

A Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice has been issued for all residents of Swakane Canyon.

US 97A is closed due to fire activity from north of the Stemilt roundabout to Swakane Canyon Road, nine miles south of Entiat. Travelers should avoid the area and use US 97 as an alternate north-south route. There is currently no estimated time for reopening.

Folks evacuated can have access to free Wi-Fi and public computers at NCW libraries, and could also check out a portable wi-fi hotspot. NCW Libraries also is inviting folks to get out of the heat and smoke in the libraries as well.

Firehouse Pets is offering pet owners who have been evacuated assistance with any pet supply or food needs. Those that have been evacuated and left without food or supplies can reach out to Firehouse at 668-7387 or 699-3281. The items can be delivered as well. There is a collection center for pet food at both the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society and OkanDogs Rescue.

Mercantile, based in downtown Wenatchee, is offering free day passes to work in the facility for those evacuated from their home this week. Mercantile is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.