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18-year-old arrested in connection to deadly Chelan Hills Fire in Washington this summer

This comes as new video surfaces of the 18-year-old allegedly shooting fireworks out of a moving truck before the start of the fire, which scorched over 10,000 acres and resulted in one death.

By Raymond Sanchez
Source FOX Weather

Teenagers set off fireworks in possible start to Chelan Hills Fires

Footage provided by the Douglas County Sheriffs Office shows a group of teenagers shooting off illegal fireworks from the back of a moving truck. The video shows the alleged start of the deadly Chelan Hills Fires.

THE TAKEAWAY

  • Police have arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the Chelan Hills Fire.
  • The wildfire resulted in one death.
  • The Chelan Hills Fire caused over $6 million in damage.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wash. – Police arrested an 18-year-old man in connection with the Chelan Hills Fire, which ignited in Washington early this summer on July 4.

At mid-afternoon on July 4, firefighters responded to the Chelan Hills Fire within 30 minutes of being dispatched as the flames quickly spread.

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The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced they have developed probable cause to arrest the primary suspect in connection with the fire, 18-year-old Michael Yakimov, on Sept. 3.

This comes as new video surfaces of Yakimov allegedly shooting fireworks out of a moving truck before the start of the fire, which spread across over 10,000 acres and resulted in one death.

Snohomish County Fire District 5 respond to help combat the Chelan Hills Fire in July.

The victim, Robert Lister, was driving his vehicle while evacuating the area due to the fire danger when he slid off the road, where the fire claimed the life of the 69-year-old.

Yakimov faces charges including manslaughter in the first degree, arson in the first degree, malicious mischief in the first degree and assault in the third degree, a total of six counts, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

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The wildfire destroyed more than 100 structures and caused more than $6 million in damages.