Kodiaks Face Smoke, Evacuations, and Uncertainty During 2025 Wildfire Season

 Leavenworth fire crew work tirelessly to stop the expansion of the Lower Sugarloaf Fire. Photo credit: Panthera Gardineer (12). 

Leavenworth residents are accustomed to living with wildfire threats, but the 2025 season brought some of the most intense fires in recent memory. Between smoke, road closures, and evacuations, the Kodiak community—students, teachers, and families—felt the impacts firsthand. 

On September 1, a dry lightning storm sparked two major wildfires near Leavenworth: the Labor Mountain Fire, reported around 8 a.m., and the Lower Sugarloaf Fire, reported around 10 a.m. The Labor Mountain Fire started in steep terrain between Standup and Stafford Creeks, about 10 miles northeast of Cle Elum, while the Lower Sugarloaf Fire ignited near Sugarloaf Lookout. Both fires grew rapidly, fueled by dry timber and brush, prompting evacuations and emergency responses across the area. The Lower Sugarloaf Fire eventually reached over 42,979 acres, while the Labor Mountain Fire grew to 42,967 acres. (InciWeb) 

Evacuations disrupted the lives of students and staff. “We were on Level 1 evacuation on September 2 and Level 2 evacuation on September 3,” said English teacher Ms. Roselyn Robison. “We chose to leave when the fire got within a couple of miles from our house… We wanted to stay out of the way of fire crews and let them do their job without interference from local traffic.” 

For some students, preparations became a mix of stress and organization. “I live about 10 miles up the Chumstick. Around the 4th of September, I was put on evacuation notice. We were never actually evacuated, even though we were on Level 2 for a short time. We had some stuff packed and ready to go. I had lots of clothes in my bag, some personal hygiene products, my climbing bag, my stuffed animals, my sewing machine, a coloring book, and all my markers,” said Ingrid Stockman (11). 

Others, like Panthra Gardineer (12), experienced longer evacuations. “We were moved to Level 2 for two weeks, then to Level 3 for about a month. Right after we moved to Level 3, we evacuated.”  

Ms. Rosenfield, another CHS teacher, highlighted the support network that emerged. “Funnily enough, the same Kodiak alumni who fought our house fire last year… came up to help with evacuations this year. It was surprisingly comforting to see them.” 

Evacuations along Nahahum Canyon Road were particularly tense. After the Lower Sugarloaf Fire jumped containment lines on September 25, all of Nahahum Canyon Road was quickly elevated to Level 3 evacuations. It wasn’t until September 29 that the area was downgraded to Level 2. “I’m not actually sure when we were put on Level 1, but it was many days, if not weeks, before the levels escalated. We were moved to Level 2 around 7–7:30 p.m. on September 25 and then up to Level 3 just 35 or 40 minutes later. 

We were moved to Level 2 around 7–7:30 p.m. on September 25 and then up to Level 3 just 35 or 40 minutes later. 

There were multiple fire trucks at my house by 8:30 p.m.,” Rosenfield said. “We were evacuated from September 25 to October 4. We were still on Level 2 when we came home, and police officers (and later firefighters) were stationed on the road for over a week to ensure only residents were driving in, due to the persistent danger.” 

The Labor Mountain Fire also threatened homes and families. “We were evacuated for a week. I stayed with my friends, and my parents stayed in a trailer at the PD parking lot,” said Kyrianna Ross (11). “Being evacuated was actually fun—it was like having a sleepover every night. However, it was nice to go back home and bring our pets home. The dog and cat stayed with my mom and dad in their trailer. Our bunny stayed with CHS counselor Ms. Grace.” 

Evacuations and fire preparation highlighted the importance of readiness. “I do have a couple pieces of advice for fire prep. First, people should be putting their important papers together and in their go-bag… Second, back up your sentimental photos… Third, always keep a change of clothes in your car,” Rosenfeld said. 

Even students who remained at home were affected by the smoke that settled in the valley. Sports practices and games were canceled or moved indoors due to poor air quality. “It was really hard trying to have practices and games with the smoke. It was also hard to get gym space because other sports were using it. It impacted our home games—we had to switch some to away games instead, and we canceled countless games,” said Indica Mendoza-Juarez (12), varsity soccer player. Soccer, football, cross-country, and other outdoor activities were widely impacted, disrupting routines for athletes and coaches. 

Fire crews from across the country worked tirelessly to contain the fires, building control lines, conducting mop-up operations, and protecting homes and infrastructure. According to InciWeb, the Lower Sugarloaf Fire engaged 459 personnel at its peak, while the Labor Mountain Fire threatened public lands in the Teanaway Community Forest. 

For the Kodiak community, the fires were more than statistics—they were a test of resilience, preparation, and unity. Despite challenges, students, teachers, and alumni worked together, evacuated safely, and returned home to support one another.