[UPDATE] Stemilt Creek Fire grows to 30 acres, level 2 evacuations issued

UPDATE (July 12, 2026): The Stemilt Creek Fire is now listed at 21 acres and 100% contained, with forward progress stopped, according to Watch Duty. Fire crews remain on scene monitoring and securing the area. The fire, which prompted evacuation notices Saturday afternoon and grew to approximately 30 acres during the initial attack, no longer poses an immediate threat to nearby homes. Residents should continue to monitor official channels for any updates regarding evacuation status or ongoing fire operations.

July 11, 2026
3:34 p.m

WENATCHEE — Firefighters are responding to the Stemilt Creek Fire in Chelan County, which had grown to approximately 30 acres Saturday afternoon, according to incident reports and emergency officials.

The vegetation fire was first reported shortly before 1 p.m. Saturday in the Stemilt Creek area south of Wenatchee. Incident command initially described the blaze as a fire exceeding 10 acres burning in sagebrush, grass and scattered timber.

By 1:26 p.m., the fire was estimated at 30 acres, according to WildCAD information cited by Watch Duty.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 2 "Be Prepared" evacuation for the Stemilt Creek area. According to a notice distributed by Chelan County Emergency Management, the affected area includes Stemilt Creek Road, Stemilt Creek Loop and all side roads in the Clear Lake and Lilly Lake areas.

Residents in the evacuation area are advised to prepare to leave if conditions worsen. Emergency management officials urged residents to monitor local radio stations, the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page and the Chelan County Incident Map for updates.

Level 1 "Stay Alert" evacuations also are in effect in portions of the area. Earlier Saturday, incident command requested localized Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations near the fire.

No containment estimate was available as of Saturday afternoon, and no injuries or structure losses had been reported.

The cause of the fire had not been released.

Officials continue to monitor fire activity and evacuation needs as crews work to contain the blaze.