A Deputy Fire Chief From Seattle Has Gone Missing In Wenatchee National Forest

The search continued Saturday for Seattle Deputy Fire Chief Jay Schreckengost, who is missing in the Wenatchee National Forest, according to officials.

According to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office, the search on Saturday was focused on the Cliffdell area. Schreckengost's family last heard from him when he left his truck about three miles north of SR 410 to scout for elk, the sheriff's office said. His plan was to hunt with his son the following day, the sheriff's office said.

According to KOMO news, he texted his family Tuesday after he arrived at a cabin in the Squaw Rock Resort.

A Seattle Fire Department spokesperson said Saturday the search was still a rescue mission, which means officials believe he is alive, The Yakima Herald reported. An inspector with the sheriff's department described him as an experienced hunter who was equipped to handle the outdoors, the paper reported.

Members of the Seattle Fire Department and other fire departments have joined the search and rescue effort. The sheriff's office said personnel from at least seven counties have been called in.

Schreckengost's family is also present for the search.

Describing the search conditions, the sheriff's office said the terrain is extremely rugged and there's been snow over the past two days. Other resources called into the search include a Chinook helicopter from the Air Force, mountain rescue teams and K9 teams.

Officials are asking anyone with information to call the county dispatch center at 509-925-8534.