Chelan Tourism Group Issues Guidance as 74,000-Acre Little Giant Fire Burns On
Updated
Updated · Lake Chelan Mirror · Aug 7
Chelan Tourism Group Issues Guidance as 74,000-Acre Little Giant Fire Burns On
3 articles · Updated · Lake Chelan Mirror · Aug 7
Summary
Visit Chelan County on Thursday told travelers to keep plans only where conditions remain safe, avoid evacuation and closure zones, and stay flexible as the Little Giant Fire continues burning.
More than 74,000 acres have burned since the lightning-caused fire started July 15 in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, with evacuation orders still covering parts of Lake Chelan, Trinity and Chiwawa.
Visitors were urged to check official fire maps, road closures and air quality before leaving, call hotels and tour operators directly, and prepare backup outdoor plans if smoke worsens.
The tourism group also warned against stopping to watch the fire or flying drones nearby, saying unauthorized drone flights can halt firefighting aircraft operations.
Across Chelan County's nearly 3,000 square miles, officials said conditions vary widely, and travelers whose trips are disrupted should shift to safe areas or support local businesses through future bookings, gift cards or online sales.
With the Little Giant Fire only 1% contained, are officials risking tourist safety to protect Chelan County's summer economy?
What hidden dangers await travelers as unrelated severe storms and an uncontained wildfire simultaneously ravage the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest?
How did over 1,800 structures survive a 77,000-acre inferno while a newly declared state of emergency threatens the region's future?