Containment is creeping up at the Labor Mountain Fire, and fire and transportation officials have reopened a section of highway that was threatened by the blaze. 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 39,753 acres and is 10% 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.
Washington State Department of Transportation officials and firefighters announced that Highway 97 between mileposts 149 and 178 was reopened on October 7. Reduced speed limits and a pilot car will be in place on the highway between Upper Tronson Creek Road and Ingalls Creek Road. Officials said to expect delays, and strongly urged travelers to use extreme caution and follow the pilot car their safety and the safety of others using the road.
Although the fire has spread east of Highway 97, cooler temperatures have allowed firefighters to make more progress on containment. Fire officials said smoke in the area has limited visibility for helicopter pilots, meaning fewer water drops made in recent days. However, crews on the ground have been able to establish solid containment lines around the body of the fire, and have been mopping up fire around Highway 97.
