State fire assistance was authorized for two wildfires on July 8 and July 4, according to Washington State Patrol records. The Ryegrass Coulee Fire, which began July 8 at 4:51 p.m. in Kittitas County near Vantage, is estimated at 600 acres and threatening homes and power infrastructure. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized state resources on July 8 at 7:45 p.m. following a request from Fire Chief William Rose. Evacuations at Level 2 and Level 3 are in effect. The Chelan Hills Fire, started July 4 at 12:05 a.m. in Douglas County near Orondo and Chelan Falls, covers 400 acres and prompted a mobilization at 4:30 a.m. on July 4, authorized by Chief Batiste at the request of Assistant Fire Chief Justin Dennis.
Washington State Patrol is seeking witnesses for an injury hit-and-run collision that occurred June 25 at 1:56 a.m. on State Route 96 near Dumas Road/Elgin Way SE in Mill Creek. A silver/grey Chevrolet Tahoe struck a pedestrian and fled, continuing westbound over I-5 into Everett. The vehicle is missing a passenger side marker light. WSP Detective Nick Brockman is urging anyone with information or dash camera footage to call (360) 757-2008.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated at Level 2 for the Ryegrass Coulee Fire to coordinate state assistance. Mobilization specialists ordered two wildland strike teams and air resources for containment. The Chelan Hills Fire cause is not yet determined, and the Ryegrass Coulee Fire cause is under investigation. Both fires are burning in grass, brush, and timber.