WENATCHEE, Wash. — A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection to a wildfire burning in Wenatchee that prompted evacuations Friday.
The teen could face multiple charges, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.
The fire, dubbed the Balsam Root fire by authorities, is burning north and west of West Wenatchee. The National Weather Service posted a gif of the fire burning on a hill with structures pictured nearby. Structures and homes are threatened by the fire.
State fire assistance has been mobilized to help contain the fire by the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan.
Evacuations have been reduced to Level 1 (Stay Vigilant), according to Chelan County Emergency Management.
Fire authorities are warning those who live in the area to continue to monitor the situation, as Wenatchee and much of central Washington will be under a Red Flag Warning Friday afternoon into the evening, meaning weather conditions could exacerbate severe fire behavior.
Evacuation levels and areas could change. Check the map below for the most up-to-date information, or click the link here.
A Red Cross shelter has been opened at the Wenatchee Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 508 N Western Ave for anyone who has been displaced.
The Grant County Sheriff's Office advised that smoke from the fire could impact the air quality Friday morning.
The Sage Hills Trail system is closed due to the fire, including No. 1 Canyon to the Horselake Preserve.
Red Flag Warning for much of central Washington
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for much of central Washington for Friday afternoon into the evening, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
The NWS advised that there will be wind and low relative humidity, which means a fire could spread rapidly if it sparks during that period of time.
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring, or will occur shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior, according to the NWS.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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