Chelan Hills Fire Kills One, Destroys Over 100 Structures Near Orondo

A fast-moving wildfire that ignited just after midnight on the Fourth of July near mile marker 233 on U.S. Highway 97 in Orondo, Washington has grown to nearly 9,735 acres in Douglas County, claiming at least one life and destroying scores of homes and other structures.

Fatality Confirmed

Douglas County Sheriff deputies discovered human remains inside a vehicle that had slid off the roadway and was subsequently consumed by the fire. Investigators are working to confirm the identity of the victim. The tragedy marks one of the deadliest wildfire incidents in the Pacific Northwest so far this season.

Structures Lost, Evacuations Ordered

Douglas County Fire Marshal Tyler Caille confirmed that over 100 structures have been destroyed, and the fire prompted the evacuation of approximately 500 residents. Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders were issued for multiple communities in the Orondo and Lake Chelan area over the holiday weekend. As of Monday, some evacuation levels were being reassessed as firefighting efforts progressed.

Fire Behavior and Spread

The Chelan Hills Fire exploded in size within hours of ignition due to critically dry fuels, low humidity, and strong winds. Early estimates placed the fire around 3,000 acres; by July 5 it had grown to more than 9,700 acres, and officials indicated the true extent could be 15,000 to 20,000 acres. The fire is burning grass, brush, and timber in terrain typical of the eastern slopes of the Cascades.

Washington DNR Southeast Region resources were mobilized alongside multiple agency aircraft, including firefighting planes that scooped water from Lake Chelan for retardant drops. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) lists the fire at 0% containment as of Monday, July 6.

Community and Agency Response

State fire resources including hand crews, engines, and air tankers were dispatched rapidly. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office coordinated evacuations and road closures, while the Red Cross opened evacuation shelters for displaced residents. The Chelan Hills Fire is the most destructive wildfire currently burning in Washington State.

What Residents Should Know