State Fire Mobilization Authorized for the Squilchuck Road Fire
Chelan County– State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Squilchuck Road Fire located in Chelan County, near the city of Wenatchee. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on October 13, 2024, at 4:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brian Brett, Wenatchee Valley Fire Department.
The Squilchuck Road Fire started on October 13, 2024, at approximately 2:17 p.m. This fire is estimated at 25 acres and growing. It is burning in brush, sage, and timber and is threatening homes and infrastructure. Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is currently activated to Level 3, monitoring, to help coordinate state assistance for the Squilchuck Road Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one strike team, two hand crews, two dozers, and air resources to aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route to the scene and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization. The Mobilization Plan is implemented to provide a process to quickly notify, assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment and other resources from around the state when fires, disasters or other events exceed the capacity of local jurisdictions.