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Balsam Root Fire Arrest

Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/4/2024 a fire was started in the area of Horse Lake Rd on the hillside west of Wenatchee, known as the Balsam Root Fire.  After an exhaustive yearlong investigation lead by Detective Ernie Senseney, 18 year-old Erik Carranza-Tellez of East Wenatchee has been arrested and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on charges of Malicious Mischief 1st Degree and Reckless Burning 2nd Degree.

The yearlong investigation included witness interviews, evidence processing, dna collection and testing, in addition to initial information obtained the day of the fire.  That combination of information lead detectives to discover that Carranza-Tellez was in the area the night the fire started, and intentionally lit a mortar-type firework that started the fire.

This is still an ongoing investigation and further information will be released when available.            

SEE FULL MEDIA RELEASE (PDF)

Last Updated: 08/14/2025 07:44 AM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Apr 2026
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on April 8, 2026.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Apr 2026
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - April 4, 2026

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-Off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is April 4

    Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 31
    Mar 2026
    06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Spring community meeting with your county commissioners

    Posted by: Board Of County Commissioners

    On March 31, the Board of County Commissioners will host a hybrid community meeting, with Zoom and in-person options. The meeting is 6 to 8 p.m.

    Commissioners Chambers or Online