Public Works

After The Fire

After The Fire

Chelan County Public Works Department, combined with the county’s Flood Control Zone District, has provided an update to our After the Fire webpage.  This page offers information to Chelan County residents impacted by the recent wildfires. In addition to the County’s webpage, Cascadia Conservation District and the U.S. Forest Service have provided useful information.  Click here to visit Cascadia Conservation District's webpage.

Information for Home Owners & Property Owners

On June 28, 2015, fire swept through Wenatchee, destroying dozens of homes and ultimately scorching nearly 3,000 acres. The fire burned hillsides and stripped them of vegetation vital for stabilizing these slopes. Then, on Aug. 14, 2015, several lightning strike fires began early in the day, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, to become the Chelan Complex Fires, which burned dozens of homes and outbuildings and scorched over 88,000 acres. Now stripped of vegetation and blackened from heat, these hillsides are at increased risk for severe runoff of debris during a rain event.  

The impact of rainfall over a burned area can be severe. The burned surface cannot absorb even light to normal rainfall, causing the precipitation to travel quickly and take rocks, dirt and other debris with it and overwhelm drainage systems. In response to the Sleepy Hollow Fire, on July 9, 2015, Chelan County Public Works installed a larger, second culvert under Scenic View Drive, between Sleepy Hollow Heights and Skyview Court, where this runoff is now more likely to occur. This increased capacity is expected to better convey material and water should precipitation cause a runoff event.

There is no way to prevent flooding, and steps to mitigate the impact can only reduce the impact to public infrastructure and private property. But there are steps property owners can take to reduce the damage to homes and property. Most options are affordable and require only a little preparation.

First and foremost, it is vital to maintain drainways on your property, whether they be natural or developed, and to cut back brush, remove rock and yard waste and any structures that might impede conveyance of runoff. If you have a culvert under your driveway, regular inspection and removal of any materials will help the culvert from being overwhelmed and backing up over your driveway and into your yard and the roadway. If you see a clogged culvert in your neighborhood that is the County's responsibility, contact the County to make a service request to address the issue.

More information regarding post-fire recovery: 

Posted: 11/25/2014 09:49 AM
Last Updated: 04/25/2019 11:48 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Small Quantity Generator Collection Event

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Chelan County Public Works on April 8 will host a Small Quantity Generator collection event for small businesses looking to safely dispose of hazardous wastes. Participants MUST pre-register.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 03
    Apr 2024
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on April 3, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, meeting room No. 1
  • 27
    Mar 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Cashmere, South Wenatchee and Malaga

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee High School (new commons area)
  • 27
    Mar 2024
    06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - March 27, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 20
    Mar 2024
    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

    Connect with Chelan County: District 1 Meeting

    Posted by: Board Of County Commissioners

    The Chelan County team is coming to a community near you. In March commissioners and a variety of department directors will hold a series of community-led discussions in each of the three districts the commissioners represent.

    Wenatchee High School (new commons area)