Local News

Wilderness Fire Southwest of Winthrop Washington

Jul 10, 2013

A small, two acre, fire is burning southwest of Winthrop Washington in the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness.

Sun Mountain fire is burning in steep terrain near the south fork of War Creek. Six smokejumpers responded to the fire yesterday. They are supported by a helicopter making bucket drops as they work to contain the fire.

The name of the fire has been raising questions about its proximity to Sun Mountain Lodge; a popular destination in the Methow Valley. Several miles of forest, rivers and ridgetops separate the two; the Lodge is not threatened by the small fire.

The fire was spotted yesterday during a reconnaissance flight. Another reconnaissance flight, looking for fires, is scheduled for this afternoon.