STEHEKIN, Wash. — The Sisi Fire, burning in the rugged Cascades approximately 10 miles northwest of the remote community of Stehekin, has grown to 2,244 acres with 0% containment as of September 1, 2026. The lightning-caused fire ignited on August 14 and has been burning in closed timber litter along Heather and Sisi ridges in Chelan County.

Active Fire Behavior on Multiple Flanks

Fire officials report continuous fire activity along the northern perimeter, with movement on the western side of Heather Ridge. The terrain is steep and difficult to access, limiting direct suppression options and making aerial operations critical to the response.

A total of 154 personnel are assigned to the Sisi Fire, with just over half of the planned preparation work completed as of September 1. Efforts are focused on the eastern side of the Stehekin community, supported by active-duty U.S. Army soldiers who are assisting with structure protection and fuels preparation.

Protecting Stehekin

Stehekin is an isolated community at the head of Lake Chelan, accessible only by boat, seaplane, or a long backcountry trail — making fire defense particularly complex. Crews have established sprinkler systems and cleared brush along Stehekin River Road to protect the town, the local airport, and the community's small hydropower plant.

Officials have warned that the significant presence of firefighting personnel and equipment in Stehekin may affect recreation and lodging opportunities in the area. Visitors are advised to travel with caution and anticipate potential delays.

Incident Management

The Sisi Fire is co-managed with the Little Giant Fire by the California Interagency Management Team (CA Team 5), which is also overseeing the larger incident in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest to the west. This shared command structure reflects the extraordinary resource demands of the current fire season in North-Central Washington.

What Visitors and Residents Should Know

  • Stehekin River Road has brush clearance and active structure preparation underway — travel with care
  • Helicopter and water-scooping aircraft are operating over area lakes; watercraft should remain near shore and clear of active flight paths
  • Unauthorized drone use is prohibited under a Temporary Flight Restriction active over the fire area
  • Sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (Agnes Creek) in adjacent North Cascades National Park remain closed

Stay Informed

Residents can monitor current evacuation orders on the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map and sign up for direct notifications through the Everbridge Emergency Alert Program. Fire updates are also posted to the Little Giant Fire's Facebook page, which manages communications for both incidents.