After heavy rain and snow fell on the Labor Mountain Fire burning on the county line between Kittitas and Chelan Counties, fire officials have downgraded evacuation notices and are re-evaluating the conditions of the fire. The Labor Mountain Fire started in a mountainous forested area near the Chelan-Kittitas County line in the morning of September 1. The fire has since grown to burn about 42,631 acres and is 25% contained according to fire officials. Firefighting operations have been hindered by difficult terrain in the area.
Several evacuation notices are in place, and a map of evacuation zones is available on the Chelan County website. According to firefighters at the Labor Mountain Fire, snow and rain fell across much of the burned area in the night of October 12. Firefighters said they used the opportunity given by the precipitation and cooler temperatures to protect homes in the Sand Creek area, clear ground fuels, and strengthen containment lines. Firefighters said they are currently assessing conditions around the fire.
