Visit Chelan County urges travelers to plan ahead during Little Giant Fire

WENATCHEE — As the Little Giant Fire continues to burn in Chelan County, Visit Chelan County is encouraging visitors to stay informed, avoid evacuation and closure areas, and continue supporting local businesses in communities where travel remains safe.

The tourism organization released updated travel guidance Thursday, emphasizing that wildfire conditions vary across the county and urging visitors to rely on official information, monitor changing conditions and remain flexible with their plans.

"We are grateful to the crews who are working tirelessly to protect life and property, and who share our top priority of caring for and ensuring the safety of our communities, residents, and visitors," Executive Director Jerri Barkley said. "Whether you call Chelan County home or are just visiting, it's important to know exactly where you are going, stay outside evacuation and closure areas, call businesses directly, and remain flexible. Keeping plans when conditions allow, or pivoting when they do not, makes a meaningful difference to local businesses."

The lightning-caused wildfire, which began July 15, has burned more than 74,000 acres in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Evacuation orders remain in effect for portions of Chelan County, including areas along the north and south shores of Lake Chelan and in the Trinity and Chiwawa areas, while closures also affect portions of the national forest.

Visit Chelan County advises travelers to check fire maps, road closures and air quality conditions before departing and to contact lodging providers, restaurants, tour operators and attractions directly for the latest information. Visitors are also encouraged to have backup plans for outdoor activities, particularly if smoke conditions worsen.

The organization also reminded visitors to respect road closures and evacuation zones, avoid stopping to watch fire activity, and give firefighters room to work. It also urged recreational drone operators to keep drones grounded near wildfire areas, noting that unauthorized drone flights can force firefighting aircraft to stop operations.

While some areas remain under evacuation orders or closures, Visit Chelan County noted that conditions differ significantly across the county's nearly 3,000 square miles. Visitors whose original plans are affected by the fire are encouraged to consider alternative destinations where conditions remain safe or support local businesses through future bookings, gift card purchases or online sales.

The organization also reminded residents and visitors to follow current burn bans and fire restrictions to help prevent additional wildfires during the ongoing fire season.

For the latest information, Visit Chelan County recommends checking official wildfire, evacuation, air quality and road condition resources before traveling.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media