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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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Officials rule out natural causes in Wenatchee blaze

The Columbian
Published:

WENATCHEE — Authorities say a wildfire that has destroyed nearly 30 homes in the central Washington city of Wenatchee was likely human-caused.

A Chelan County sheriff’s spokesman said Wednesday that investigators have ruled out any natural causes, such as lightning. But they’re still looking into whether the fire was set on purpose or by accident.

Officials say the blaze that started Sunday has scorched about 2,950 acres, or about 4 1/2 square miles, in the city about 150 miles west of Seattle. They said 29 homes were destroyed and four business complexes in the commercial area were damaged to varying degrees.

Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz also announced he’s signing a declaration to ban fireworks within the city limits through July 4.

Chelan County commissioners have also declared the county a hazardous fire area, which prohibits outdoor burning and the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county.

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