Homes and an historic church destroyed in northeast wildland fire

The largest of the still burning wildland fires in the region is the Kaiser Canyon Fire, charring over 60,487 acres on the east side of the Columbia River, in and around the town of Nespelem.

Chelan Fire and Rescue currently has Tender 71 and Chief 71 as Strike Team Leader assisting with structure protection on the Kaiser Fire.  They're part of two Mid-Columbia strike teams from Chelan and Grant Counties. 

Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters offer mutual aid on the Kaiser Canyon Fire. Photos courtesy: Chelan Fire and Rescue.

Firefighters report hot, dry and windy conditions on the fire.

The fire has burned on both sides of Highway 155, destroying five homes or outbuildings and the historic Shaker Church as of Sunday.

The Shaker Church in Nespelem fell victim to the growing Kaiser Canyon Fire. The Church was part of an Indigenous Christian tradition that blends Native spiritual practices with Christian worship. Photo courtesy: Source ONE News.

On the fire lines, daytime high temps have bene in the 90s with relative humidity at 15%.

A 240 acre fire is burning west of Nineteenmile Campground in Chelan County.

The Washington Army National Guard and two members of our Washington State Guard have joined the firefight with aerial firefighting operations Monday on the Modrite fire on the Colville Indian Reservation, west of Inchelium. 

The National Guard has over 200 Wildland Firefighting hand crew members just in case they are needed as well.  

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Douglas County Solid Waste, in partnership with Wenatchee Valley Salvage, is offering a FREE Scrap Metal Collection Site to assist residents recovering from the Chelan Hills Fire.

Burned vehicles, Appliances, Metal roofing and siding and steel, pipe, fencing, wire, and other scrap metal will be accepted at Manson Growers Property, located at the bottom of McNeil Canyon Road.

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If you were affected by the Chelan Hills Fire you’re  invited to a Community Town Hall from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 21 at the Lake Chelan Community Center.

Local agencies, community organizations, and recovery partners will provide information and connect residents with available recovery resources and support services.