Year-long wildfire investigation leads to arrest; 100 acres burns near Brewster

Balsam Root Fire, June 2024. Photo courtesy: NCW News.

Chelan County Sheriff's detectives reported Tuesday the arrest of an East Wenatchee man believed to be responsible for a 2024 fire in the area of Horse Lake Rd. on the hillside west of Wenatchee, known as the Balsam Root Fire.

After an exhaustive yearlong investigation, including witness accounts, evidence found at the fire scene and DNA, 18 year-old Erik Tellez was taken into custody and booked into the Regional Justice Center on charges of Malicious Mischief and Reckless Burning.

Detectives say Tellez intentionally lit a mortar-type firework that started the fire.

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A grass and brush fire burned close to 100 acres west of old highway 97 near Brewster on Wednesday. Okanogan County Emergency Management reported flames at high at 4 feet at times. As of 7:30 p.m. the county reports that the fire had been completely contained.

Moderate air quality in the region primarily due to wildfire smoke travelling here from Canada and a fire burning near Lake Cushman in Mason County.

Air quality readings–were as high as 75 in Malaga, 72 in East Wenatchee and 61 in Wenatchee.

Moderate air quality can mean some sensitive groups should consider spending a shorter amount of time outdoors.

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An Army air ambulance assisted Chelan County Search and Rescue team members in the aid of an injured hiker on Aasgard Pass.

Chelan County Emergency Management director Sgt. Jason Reinfeld says a text-to-911 call indicated the hiker needed help.

Chelan County Mountain Rescue volunteers found their way down from the top of the pass and located the injured hiker, a 21 year-old from SeaTac about 900 vertical feet up from Colchuck Lake.

A helicopter was sent in Tuesday morning to bring the hiker and search and rescue team out of the area. The man was said to have suffered from a possible broken or sprained ankle.

Sgt. Reinfeld recommends researching hiking routes thoroughly and being equipped with navigation aids while hiking. Aasgard pass is described as a difficult, dangerous climb and a through hike of the Enchantments should only be attempted by experienced hikers.