At approximately 12:06 a.m. on July 4, 2026, Douglas County deputies responded to a reported brush fire near mile marker 233 on U.S. Highway 97. Working in coordination with local fire districts, deputies assisted in delivering numerous evacuation notices to residents impacted by the fire. Deputies have continued to support fire personnel as the incident has grown in size and complexity. State mobilization was requested and approved for the fire at approximately 4:30 a.m. Firefighting efforts for what is now known as the Chelan Hills Fire are being managed by the SE Washington Type 3 Inter-Agency Team.
Missing resident investigation
On July 5, 2026, deputies conducted follow-up on a report of a missing resident who lives in the affected fire area. Deputies located a vehicle that had slid off the roadway and was subsequently consumed by the fire. Human remains were discovered inside the vehicle, and the scene was investigated by Douglas County detectives. The remains have been turned over to the Douglas County Coroner’s Office, which will work to obtain a positive identification of the deceased.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with fire personnel to check the affected area for any additional residents who were unable to safely evacuate. Further updates regarding the fire’s activity will be coordinated between our office and the fire management team.
Respectfully,
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Douglas County Sheriff
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