Chelan County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Red Apple Fire located in Chelan County, near Wenatchee. The Red Apple Fire is burning in grass and sage. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 13, 2021, at 9:30 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Brian Brett, Chelan County Fire District 1, and Fire Chief Phil Mosher, Chelan County Fire District 6.
The Red Apple Fire started on July 13, 2021, at approximately 6:55 p.m. This fire is estimated at 1,000 acres and growing. It is threatening 234 homes, orchards, and a power substation. Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered 3 strike teams.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray will remain activated to Level 2 to help coordinate state assistance for the Red Apple Fire. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are en route to the scene to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization. The Mobilization Plan is implemented to provide a process to quickly notify, assemble and deploy fire service personnel, equipment and other resources from around the state when fires, disasters or other events exceed the capacity of local jurisdictions. More information about the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan is available at: http://www.wsp.wa.gov/all-risk-mobilization/.