Investigators Are Seeking Additional Witness Information in Human-Caused Red Bridge Road Fire
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire investigators are seeking the public’s help in the investigation of the Red Bridge Road fire near Cle Elum.
The fire was first reported on June 9th at 3:57 p.m., north of Red Bridge Road and east of Cle Elum in Kittitas County, and quickly expanded to 53 total acres. The fire damaged two structures and triggered evacuations in the surrounding community. The fire was determined to be human-caused, with the specific cause of the fire still under investigation.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on the 9th, witnesses and neighbors observed a man parked in the traveled portion of the 3500 block of Red Bridge Road, in the westbound lane. He was seen standing on the shoulder and taking pictures of a debris pile, where the Red Bridge Road Fire originated.
Witnesses also reported that a red pickup truck was parked near the fire origin just before the fire started. An unknown person was seen outside the truck when smoke and flames began to appear. The vehicle then left the area.
DNR fire investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed either of the vehicles or individuals at the scene near the time of the fire start to please contact lead investigator Bruce Long at bruce.long@dnr.wa.gov
DNR investigates all wildland fires that occur within the Department's areas of protection. The agency is responsible for recovering fire suppression costs from parties responsible for the criminal or negligent causes of those fires.
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