CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. — The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County is taking a toll on the tourism-dependent economy during one of its busiest seasons.
It has burned over 77,500 acres and remains just 1% contained as firefighters brace for dangerous fire conditions this weekend.
Jerri Barkley, executive director of Visit Chelan County, said visitor numbers have declined as the fire continues to burn.
She says they appreciate the visitors who can keep their plans and support local businesses but also want tourists to come prepared.
“It’s kind of a catch-22, isn’t it?” Barkley said. “There are catastrophic events happening in our county right now. Fires that are burning and emergency crews that are working. But we are a tourism economy, so it’s important that we keep visitors safe and informed,” she said.
She encourages people who still plan to visit to prepare ahead of time by checking evacuation zones, monitoring air quality, and having indoor backup plans.
Barkley said she didn’t have concrete numbers but with an educated guess, she would put August tourism numbers down 10 percent so far compared to a normal August.
“We understand the ramifications. It means employers will have to lay people off and things like that,” Barkley said. “So we take it very seriously and try to figure out workarounds that are safe and comfortable for people.”
Barkley said 2026 has already been a difficult year for the local tourism industry, making the wildfire’s impacts even more challenging.
Mike Steele, the executive director of Chelan’s Chamber of Commerce says air quality has been the biggest concern and people should know their own health risk.
On Friday, Chelan’s Air Quality Index measured around 250, a level considered “very unhealthy.” Health officials recommend avoiding outdoor exercise and wearing a well-fitting mask if you must spend time outside.
“We are still open and welcoming to visitors. Many people are still enjoying the outdoors. But Chelan is used to wildfires. Businesses are pivoting to indoor concerts and wine tastings,” Steele said. “We’re really grateful for all the people who’ve continued to support us over the years,” he said.
Visit Chelan County recommends anyone traveling to the area check current fire conditions, understand evacuation levels near their destination, and make flexible plans in case conditions change.
More than 1,600 firefighters are battling the wildfire. Helicopters are dropping water in hard-to-reach areas while ground crews work to dig containment lines.
Fire officials say they’re concerned about Red Flag Warning now back in effect because of gusty northwest winds and very low humidity.
“We could actually see the smoke lifting off more areas of the fire today, and we expect pretty significant fire activity,” fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns said in an update on August 7.
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