Suspect being held in Chelan County Jail

Information released by Chelan County Sheriff’s Office – photo Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team

An 18-year old Everett man was arrested and is being held in Chelan County Jail on suspicion of arson and malicious mischief in relation to Saturday’s fire in the Manson area.

Jason Reinfeld, The Chief of Special Operations for the Chelan County Sheriff’s Department, confirmed that witnesses saw a suspicious vehicle whose occupant was using fireworks to blow up mailboxes in the area of the Lower Joe Creek and Grade Creek Road intersection. Following their investigation, the vehicle was tracked down and the driver arrested. Reinfeld indicated the suspect’s  name is being withheld pending formal charges.

The fire grew to 14-1/2 acres and involved multiple firefighting agencies and equipment from Manson Fire Department, Chelan Fire and Rescue, along with Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest. Multiple air resources, including a helicopter, were also deployed.

The fire was contained Saturday evening and completely under control by Sunday morning.