Holiday weekend sees spike in fire-related incidents

During the Fourth of July weekend, the East Wenatchee Police Department responded to more than 27 fire- and fireworks-related calls.

Chief Rick Johnson said in a news release that the calls spanned from Friday to Sunday.

"Despite the regional attempt to educate the public regarding the risk of illegal fireworks, some members of our community choose to disregard the warnings," Johnson said.

Along with the Wenatchee Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office and Wenatchee Valley Fire Marshal, police arrested a 48-year-old woman Friday on two counts of reckless burning, in connection with Wednesday's brushfires on the Loop Trail below Fred Meyer.

A 41-year-old male was also cited on Saturday for discharge of fireworks, which carries a $205-dollar penalty.

On Sunday, Johnson said, East Wenatchee police located a 46-year-old male who reportedly admitted to starting a brush fire on the 1000 block of 12th Street Northeast earlier that morning.

That case was sent to the city prosecutor for possible reckless burning charges.

Johnson added that this year's calls were down 23% from 2025.

"Like every summer, our area continues to be at a high risk of fire danger. Please make good choices and help keep your neighbors safe," Johnson said.

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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 2:09 AM.