On June 8, 2024, a 10-to-15-acre (4.0 to 6.1 ha) fire was reported on private land near Pioneer Creek about 31 miles (50 km) northwest of Chelan in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

[8][9] A Level 3 immediate evacuation notice for Stehekin was issued on July 28 after the Pioneer Fire had crossed a key drainage area and moved uphill within 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of the settlement.

[12] To prepare for the defense of Stehekin, firefighters cleared trees and brush to establish fire breaks, wrapped historic and vulnerable wood buildings in protective foil, and brought equipment via barges.

[11] The area's lone hydroelectric power plant was also wrapped in protective foil by the Chelan County Public Utility District, which operates Stehekin's microgrid.

[16] The Pioneer Fire's spread halted in early September as cooler temperatures and rain moved into the region; management of the firefighting response was transferred to the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest as protective measures for buildings in Stehekin were removed.