Chiwaukum Creek Fire Forces Evacuation of our Cabin

On Thursday, July 16th we got word that our cabin and the rest of River Road was issued a Level 3 Evacuation Notice - leave immediately - due to the Chiwaukum Creek Fire. At that time the winds were fierce and hot spots had been found jumping Highway 2 near the Chiwaukum Campground - where the Wenatchee River meets Highway 2. This is just a couple miles from the southern end of River Road so they evacuated the whole area. You can see from the pictures below (which are from the Wenatchee World) the smoke from the fire just south of town is pretty incredible.

Our house is about 1000 feet past this sign.

 

We have enjoyed tremendous support from fire crews all over the state. They have been working to stop the fire from jumping over Highway 2 towards us and to build a fire break at the southern end of River Road, closest to the fire. So far, they have been successful and the evacuation notice was reduced to Level 2 which means "be ready to go at a moment's notice." Eben and I drove out for the weekend to check up on things. This is the scene at the elementary school - impromptu spot for fire crews to take a break.

 

Still able to play on the playground despite it all. Hopefully the firefighters and the weather will work together to put this fire out by the end of the week.