An 18-year-old man from Kent, Washington, has been charged with manslaughter, arson, malicious mischief, and six counts of assault after authorities allege he and five others started the deadly Chelan Hills wildfire on July 4 by firing fireworks from a moving truck. The fire destroyed more than 20 homes, killed a 69-year-old man, and caused $6.1 million in damages, according to Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille.
On Thursday, a Douglas County judge set bail at $1 million for the accused teen, Michael Yakimov, during his first court appearance. Yakimov, who was arrested Wednesday, must wear a GPS monitoring device and surrender his passport if released. Prosecutors allege the fireworks thrown from a white Dodge truck ignited dry brush, rapidly spreading the blaze.
Five other suspects, all over 18 and residing in Western Washington counties including Snohomish and Thurston, remain sought by authorities. Sheriff Caille stated they are considered complicit in the same crimes and urged them to turn themselves in. No arrests have been made for the additional suspects.
The fire, which burned 15.6 square miles, forced firefighters to flee in some instances as the blaze spread rapidly. Robert Lister, a 69-year-old Orondo resident, died after his vehicle slid off the road and was consumed by flames. Authorities described the fire as erupting into a firestorm, igniting property, brush, and utilities almost simultaneously.
Sheriff Caille emphasized the reckless nature of the alleged actions, stating video evidence shows the group firing illegal fireworks from the truck bed while driving on the wrong side of the road. One firework reportedly landed in roadside brush, triggering the wildfire. The sheriff added that firefighters faced extreme danger, with some trucks torched as they fled the advancing flames.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities continue to seek the remaining suspects. The case remains under active prosecution, with additional charges possible as the inquiry progresses.