Firefighters are responding to a rapidly spreading brush fire near Chelan, Washington, after the Henderson Fire prompted Level 2 “Get Set” evacuation notices and a third-alarm emergency response. The fire is burning in grass and sagebrush near Henderson Road in the Union Valley area, where it is threatening nearby homes and forcing road closures.
According to Chelan County Emergency Management, the fire was first reported shortly after 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. Within minutes, the incident escalated to a third alarm as flames spread through dry vegetation under hot summer conditions. Firefighters from multiple agencies responded with engines, water tenders, and additional resources to slow the fire’s advance and protect structures in the area.
Officials have issued Level 2 evacuation notices, meaning residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice if conditions worsen. The advisory affects portions of Union Valley Road from the Rodeo Grounds to Horizon Lane, McGinty Road to Cagle Gulch Road, North Bradley Street, Long Drive, and parts of Buzzard Perch Lane. Authorities have also closed sections of Union Valley Road to allow emergency crews safe access to the fire zone.
Emergency officials are asking residents and visitors to stay away from the affected area while firefighting operations continue. Boaters on Lake Chelan have also been urged to keep clear of aircraft operating over the lake, as firefighting helicopters and air tankers may use the water for aerial suppression efforts.
The cause of the Henderson Fire has not yet been determined. Fire investigators are expected to examine the origin of the blaze once conditions allow. At this stage, authorities have not reported any injuries or confirmed the loss of homes, but crews remain focused on structure protection and preventing the fire from spreading further into residential areas.
The Henderson Fire follows several recent wildfire incidents in Chelan County, underscoring the heightened wildfire danger facing Central Washington during the summer months. Dry fuels, high temperatures, and gusty winds continue to create conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly, prompting emergency officials to encourage residents to remain prepared for changing conditions.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official evacuation updates and emergency alerts as firefighting efforts continue. Authorities stress that evacuation levels can change quickly depending on fire behavior and weather conditions. Those living in or near the advisory area should have essential belongings ready and follow instructions from emergency officials without delay.
Firefighters remain on scene working aggressively to contain the Henderson Fire, protect homes, and safeguard the Chelan community. Additional updates regarding containment, evacuation levels, road closures, and the cause of the wildfire are expected as more information becomes available from Chelan County emergency officials.