$25K reward offered for information on who caused the deadly Chelan Hills Fire

A reward has been issued for anyone who can tell investigators who sparked the deadly Chelan Hills Fire in Orondo.

Douglas County is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the perpetrator.

The reward came from the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

Investigators said they have evidence that a person caused the fire. That evidence has not been released.

McNeil Canyon Road, the hardest-hit area of the fire that still remains closed, is now considered a crime scene. It’s where a man was found dead in a burned-out car that had slid off the road as he likely tried to outrun the flames, which started last Saturday night and were fanned by hot weather and high winds.

“While containment has increased, important emergency operations and investigative efforts are still underway,” Douglas County stated. “The road closure remains necessary to support the safety of first responders and those working in the area.”

Nineteen residences and “several dozen” buildings have been damaged and burned by the fire, Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille revealed during a press conference Thursday. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is still assessing all the property damage caused by the fire.

Additionally, multiple firefighters were injured while fighting the fire when it first erupted on Saturday, July 4. The injuries ranged from minor burns to smoke inhalation.

The fire is 95% contained, as of this reporting, after burning nearly 10,000 acres. Evacuation orders issued earlier this week are beginning to be lifted.

For up-to-date information on the Chelan Hills Fire and resources, visit Douglas County’s website.

Contributing: Jillian Raftery, KIRO Newsradio

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