Evacuations orders over Henderson fire downgraded around Lake Chelan

Emergency responders Wednesday evening downgraded the level 3 evacuation orders for those living near the Henderson fire by Lake Chelan down to level 1.

On Wednesday afternoon, Chelan County Emergency Management had issued evacuation orders - known as a level 3 notice - to those living around 160 Union Valley Road to Old Burn Road, and included properties along Old Burn Road.

But firefighting crews appeared to have tamped down the danger for now.

All areas under advisement for the Henderson Fire are now at a level 1," Chelan County Emergency Management posted on Facebook at 6 p.m.

"The emergency shelter at the Lake Chelan Community Center will close at 6pm," the post continued. "The fire will be reevaluated in the morning unless something changes."

A level 1 alert means be prepared to evacuate and have an emergency plan and routes ready, including a plan for pets or livestock.

Emergency responders had also set areas on a level 2 evacuation notice, which means be prepared to leave at any time.

Level 2 areas included Union Valley, from Summer Hill RV Park to Horizon Lane, and side roads in the area. It also includes the area of the fairgrounds on North Bradley Street, as well as Chelan Ranch Road and Whitetail Way. Those areas were also downgraded to a level 1 alert.

Emergency responders had put out a broad level 1 alert around the fire "because this wildfire is changing rapidly," according to another, earlier post from emergency management.

"If you are in the area of the fire at Lake Chelan, please turn your location on your cellphone and monitor the situation on the Chelan County Emergency Incidents Map," according to another post from the agency. "If you don't belong in the area right now, stay away. And let that air attack do its work - stay away from the scoopers on the lake!

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