Little Giant firefighters expand overnight operations ahead of warmer weather

LEAVENWORTH — The Little Giant Fire northwest of Leavenworth has grown to 25,407 acres, according to updated infrared mapping, as firefighters continue to strengthen containment lines and protect communities ahead of a return to hotter, drier weather later this week.

The lightning-caused fire, burning approximately 22 miles northwest of Leavenworth, remains 0% contained but showed more measured activity Tuesday as cooler temperatures and increased cloud cover allowed crews to make progress across multiple sections of the incident.

Fire managers said firefighters took advantage of the improved conditions to construct additional fireline, enhance structure protection and conduct targeted helicopter water drops in several areas of the fire.

On the southern edge of the fire in the Chiwawa Valley, the blaze continued burning south of Raging Creek along the east side of Chiwawa Ridge. Helicopters worked with ground crews to slow fire activity there and on Minnow Ridge, while additional personnel allowed the incident to establish a night shift on the southern flank for the first time. Overnight crews patrolled the fire and carried out suppression work as conditions allowed.

Firefighters reported very little growth along the northern edge of the fire in the Chiwawa Valley.

On the eastern side of the incident, the fire continued burning near Three Creek north of its headwaters. Spot fires in the Shetipo Creek area also received helicopter water drops. Fire managers said those isolated pockets are expected to eventually merge within the footprint of the 2015 Wolverine Fire, where heavy dead and down timber remains. Crews have begun wrapping the bridge across the Entiat River with fire-resistant material as a precaution should fire activity increase.

Wednesday's firefighting priorities remain focused on the southern end of the fire, including the Community Protection Line along Forest Service Road 6300 near Big Meadow Creek, toward Alder Ridge and along Forest Service Road 6104 toward Maverick Peak.

The incident now has 465 personnel assigned, including seven hand crews, 11 engines, 11 masticators, five water tenders and one dozer.

Dirtyface Fire

The nearby Dirtyface Fire, burning just south of the Little Giant Fire near Big Meadow Creek Road within the same incident area, remains approximately one acre and is now 87% contained.

Firefighters reported no visible smoke or heat on the fire Tuesday and continue patrolling the area for remaining hot spots as containment increases.

Incident managers will host a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Lake Wenatchee Recreation Center, 14400 Chiwawa Loop Road. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing 2026.littlegiant@firenet.gov with the subject line "Community Meeting."

Smoke is expected to continue affecting portions of North Central Washington on Wednesday. Air quality around Chelan and Entiat could reach unhealthy levels during the afternoon, while Leavenworth and Wenatchee are forecast to experience generally good air quality.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media