Washington teen charged in deadly Chelan Hills wildfire

Newly released video footage shows a group of teenagers allegedly sparking the deadly Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County, Washington, by shooting fireworks from a moving truck. The footage, captured around midnight on July 4, depicts 18-year-old Michael Yakimov firing a ‘Trooper Turret’—a cluster of Roman candles—from the bed of a Dodge Ram truck along US Highway 97.

Investigators state the fireworks ignited dry brush, creating a 15.6-square-mile inferno that destroyed approximately 100 structures, including 19 homes, and caused an estimated $6 million in property damage. The wildfire resulted in the death of 69-year-old Robert Lister, whose vehicle veered off the road during evacuation, and caused injuries to six firefighters.

Michael Yakimov was arrested in Kent and faces multiple charges, including first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault. He is currently held on $1 million bail.