Authorities in Chelan County said Thursday that a wildfire that was threatening hundreds of homes earlier is believed to have been sparked by an illegal burn that grew out of control.
The Red Apple Fire began just before 7 p.m. Tuesday in Chelan County near Wenatchee and although no injuries have been reported so far, the blaze did prompt a Level 3 evacuation order. As of Wednesday night, the wildfire had covered at least 9,000 acres and was threatening 1,500 homes, orchards and a nearby power substation.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office told KOMO News that an investigation into the origin of the fire continues but investigators believed the blaze spread from the illegal burn.
State firefighters mobilized Tuesday to respond to the blaze, which has been fanned by dry conditions and steady winds.