Emergency officials dramatically expanded evacuation orders Saturday as the Chelan Hills Fire jumped McNeil Canyon and continued its northeast push through Douglas County, Washington. What began as a localized warning for properties along Chelan Hills Acres Road grew into one of the most extensive mass evacuation events in the region in recent years.

Evacuation Order Timeline

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office issued initial Level 2 (Get Set) and Level 3 (Get Out Now) evacuation orders early Saturday morning for residences along Chelan Hills Acres Road, Baty Way, Jackson Canyon Road, Riverview Road, Canyon View Drive, Rocky Road, Big Ranch Road, Spring Lane, King Bird Lane, Farnham Lane, Spur Lane, and High Corner Road.

As the fire jumped McNeil Canyon and spread rapidly to the north and northeast, officials issued an emergency expansion of Level 3 orders, covering all of McNeil Canyon and every connected road, including:

  • Coyote Curve Lane, Mountain Springs Road, Utopia Drive, Thomas Drive, Eagles Nest Road
  • Sunflower Lane, Yarbrough Drive, Quartz Drive, Pine Hollow Drive
  • Yellow Topaz Lane, Red Rose Lane, Amethyst Lane, Ridge Road, Alabaster Drive
  • Soapstone Drive, Spring Canyon Road, Shear Granite Drive, Pebble Drive
  • Haystack Drive, Boulder Road, Corral Creek Drive, Hedwig Road, Geneva Drive
  • Melrose Lane, Buyas Drive, Honey Gold Drive, Imperial Lane, Keepsake Lane
  • Bigelow Springs Road, Alta Vista Way, Blue Sky Lane, Canyon View Lane, Dancing Deer Drive

Level 3 orders were additionally extended north to Road 20NW and Beebe Ranch.

What Level 3 Means

A Level 3 “Get Out Now” order is the highest level of evacuation notice in Washington state’s three-tier system. It means the hazard is at or near your location and there is no time to wait. Residents must leave immediately, taking family members, pets, medications, important documents, and essential supplies. Do not wait for official contact — leave now.

Red Cross Shelter Open in Chelan

The American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter for all evacuees at Chelan Elementary School, 324 East Johnson Avenue, Chelan, Washington. The shelter is open to people and, where possible, their pets. Evacuees who need assistance reaching the shelter should contact Douglas County Emergency Management.

Road Closures

U.S. Route 97 is closed between mile marker 232 and McNeil Canyon Road. Washington State Patrol urges motorists to use Highway 97 Alternate for northbound and southbound travel in the region. Emergency officials warn that law enforcement is actively turning away non-residents attempting to re-enter evacuation zones.

How to Stay Informed

  • Douglas County GIS Dashboard: gis.douglascountywa.gov — interactive evacuation map
  • Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: Follow on social media for live updates
  • Washington 511: wsdot.com/travel/real-time/traffic for road closure information
  • Wireless Emergency Alerts: Ensure your phone is set to receive WEA notifications

Emergency officials urged residents to leave immediately and not attempt to return to their properties until the evacuation orders are officially lifted. Conditions remain active and the fire is not contained.