Seattle Local — 2026-07-04#

Top Story#

The rapidly growing Chelan Hills wildfire east of Lake Chelan has exploded to over 3,000 acres, prompting Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders for residents and holiday travelers in Douglas County. The blaze broke out just after midnight near U.S. 97 and Chelan Hills Acres Road in Orondo, triggering road closures and a massive multi-agency response as firefighters battle to protect homes.

Local News#

Deadly Shooting Under Investigation in Lake City · KOMO News Seattle police are searching for a suspect after a man in his 20s was shot and killed Friday evening in the Lake City neighborhood. Officers arrived at the 12000 block of 40th Avenue Northeast to find the victim lying in the roadway with gunshot wounds, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Woodland Park Zoo Reopens After Bomb Threat · KOMO News Woodland Park Zoo reopened on Friday afternoon following a bomb threat that prompted a sudden evacuation of visitors earlier in the day. Seattle Police swept the premises but found no explosives, allowing the park to resume its normal holiday weekend operations.

Ferry Terminals See Severe Delays for Holiday Travel · KING 5 Washington State Ferries passengers are experiencing significant delays, with wait times reaching up to three hours at some terminals as Independence Day travel surges. An estimated 400,000 people are expected to ride the state’s ferry system over the busy Fourth of July weekend.

Family Honors Teen Victim on Anniversary of Alderwood Mall Shooting · KOMO News The family of Jayda Woods-Johnson gathered Friday to honor her memory, exactly two years after the 13-year-old innocent bystander was killed by a stray bullet at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood. Loved ones used the somber anniversary to remember the young teen, who would have turned 15 this year, and to call continued attention to the ongoing impacts of local gun violence.

Community & Lifestyle#

Seattleites are enjoying near-perfect weather for America’s 250th birthday, with morning clouds giving way to mid-70s sunshine for the holiday festivities. The city also proudly welcomed 252 new immigrants who were sworn in as U.S. citizens during a celebratory Fourth of July naturalization ceremony at the Seattle Center. Meanwhile, World Cup fever has taken over the region as Team USA gears up for their historic Round of 16 match against Belgium here in Seattle on Monday, a momentous event celebrated early when USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino threw out the first pitch to a roaring “USA!” chant at Friday’s Mariners game.