As of 10:42 a.m. Saturday:

The Rainbow Bridge Fire in Stehekin has spread to 4,000 acres.

The blaze is located about 2.5 miles from Stehekin Landing, and it's threatening about 100 structures. Twelve structures are immediately threatened.

Cooperative efforts yesterday by local firefighters, Chelan County District 10, smokejumpers, National Park Service crews and two hand crews were successful in protecting the Stehekin School as well as the historic Old Schoolhouse and other threatened structures.

The fire burned uphill in the Boulder Creek drainage late into the evening as crews began to re-establish fire lines remaining from the 2006 Flick Creek fire.

The fire has moved down to the Stehekin Valley road, but it hasn't jumped the road.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 3 evacuation for the two unoccupied schools and two private homes, meaning they're strongly urged to vacate immediately. A Level 2 notice was posted for two more homes.

A Type 2 team took over management of the fire at 7 a.m. today.

About 175 personnel are continuing to work on structure protection in the valley bottom, identifying and improving contingency lines, and developing an overall strategy for the fire.

The personnel include four 20-person crews, 18 smokejumpers, eight engines, and three helicopters.

Firefighters are facing thunderstorms and associated winds in the weather forecast, along with extremely steep and inaccessible terrain above the valley bottom. Fire intensities have increased as the fuels have dried from spring rains.

The fire is listed as being human-caused, though the exact cause is under investigation.

Traffic on the Stehekin Valley road is restricted to local traffic and fire traffic. It is closed to bicycle traffic at the Stehekin Pastry Company. As the fire impacts the road later today, the closure may be adjusted.

Trail closures: The entire length of the Rainbow Loop Trail; Rainbow Creek Trail from the junction with the Rainbow Loop Trail to McAlister Pass; Rainbow Lake Trail from the junction with the Rainbow Creek Trail to Rainbow Meadows; Boulder Creek Trail from the junction with the Rainbow Loop Trail to War Creek Pass; Summit Trail within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area; and the Purple Creek Trail.

Ferry service is running to and from Stehekin. Businesses are open and other visitor facilities have not been affected in the park. Businesses in the Lake Chelan and Methow Valley areas are also open.

Thanks to Public Affairs Specialist Robin DeMario for that report.