Police car chase leads to large fire south of Kennewick

A car chase from northeastern Oregon to southeastern Washington led to a large fire south of Kennewick Thursday afternoon.

Morrow County deputies say they received reports of a burglary and were able to find the car matching the description of the one involved on Thursday. Deputies say when they tried to stop the driver, it started a police chase through Morrow County, Umatilla County and across to Benton County in Washington before it was called off.

A short time later, Benton County Fire District #1 was called to a fire off Bofer Canyon and Beck. Crews say due to the difficult terrain the blaze spread 100 acres before they could get it out.

Washington State Patrol troopers now believe after the chase was called off, 26-year-old Amber Cravens from Yakima drove off the road near Coffin and tried to cross a field. Troopers believe that ignited the fire, which later destroyed the car they were in. Both Cravens, and her passenger 34-year-0ld Brandon Ulrey of Yakima were arrested at the scene of the fire.

Cravens now faces charges in Benton County of Hit and Run and Trespassing. Ulrey faces charges in Benton for Trespassing and Suspended License in the 3rd degree.

Morrow County deputies say because the case is still under investigation, they expect to release more details about the burglary on Monday.

Originally the car involved had been reported stolen by officers, but they now believe it was not stolen.