Chelan County, WA Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Two zones
- Valley Zone and Chelan Mountain Zone
- Valley Zone districts
- Fire Districts 1, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Mountain Zone districts
- Fire Districts 3, 9, 10
- Designating body
- Board of County Commissioners
- CWPP adopted
- 2025 plan, Res. 2025-32
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners divides unincorporated Chelan County into two wildfire danger zones, a Valley Zone and a Chelan Mountain Zone, under Section 7.52.020, and can designate either a "fire hazard area" on the fire advisory board's recommendation, which triggers binding travel and activity restrictions across that zone.
(3) For purposes of designation of fire hazard areas, Chelan County shall be divided into two geographical zones based on the Central and Northeast Washington Interagency Fire Danger Operating Plan: (A) Valley Zone shall be composed of those unincorporated lands and area within the legal boundaries of Chelan County Fire Districts 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8. (B) Chelan Mountain Zone shall be composed of those unincorporated lands and area within the legal boundaries of Chelan County Fire Districts 3, 9 (Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue) and 10.
Full Breakdown
020(1)). 020(2)). 020(3)). 020(4)). S. Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the county fire marshal, the sheriff, emergency management, the county's fire districts, and Fish and Wildlife. 070 requires signs posted at points of restriction on county roads. 54 shows the board has also adopted the 2025 Chelan County Community Wildfire Protection Plan by resolution.
Violations & Fines
The zone designation itself carries no penalty, but any travel or activity restriction triggered within a designated zone under Sections 7.52.030 and 7.52.040 is enforceable as a misdemeanor under Section 7.52.080, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail, plus liability for firefighting costs and possible restitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chelan County's two wildfire zones?
Who decides when a zone becomes a "fire hazard area"?
Is there a wildfire plan beyond the zone designations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelan County
Compare Chelan County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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