Chelan house fire kills two, injures two; cause under investigation

CHELAN — A house fire early Thursday morning in Chelan killed two people and injured two others, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and Chelan Fire and Rescue responded at about 5:10 a.m. Aug. 21 to reports of a structure fire at 418 E. Woodin Ave. When crews arrived, the two-story, four-bedroom home was nearly fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to a neighboring business, Kidoodles, and an adjacent residence. Despite those efforts, the house, built in 1935, was declared a total loss.

Eleven people were inside the home at the time of the fire. Two individuals were taken to Lake Chelan Community Hospital. A male victim was treated and released later that day. A female victim was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for additional care.

The names of the deceased have not been released, pending autopsy results and notification of relatives.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington State Patrol are assisting county detectives in the investigation. Authorities temporarily implemented a detour on E. Woodin Avenue during the response.

“The Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our gratitude to local residents and drivers for their patience and cooperation during this time,” Chelan County Sheriff’s Chief Ryan Moody said in a release.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.