Suspect in Chelan Hills Fire arrested, facing multiple charges, says Douglas County sheriff
Authorities say the blaze killed one person and destroyed 19 homes as detectives traveled to Kent to make the arrest.
- On Wednesday, authorities arrested Michael Yakimov, 18, of Kent, in connection with the July 4 Chelan Hills Fire in Central Washington, which burned about 15 square miles and killed one person.
- Video evidence reportedly shows Yakimov firing illegal aerial fireworks from a truck bed near Highway 97, igniting the blaze that destroyed 19 homes and killed Robert M. Lister, 69, of Orondo.
- Detectives utilized surveillance footage, license-plate readers, and cellphone evidence to identify suspects across King, Pierce, and Thurston counties, leading to first-degree manslaughter and arson charges against Yakimov.
- Yakimov remains in custody at the Chelan County Regional Justice Center with bail set at $1 million on Sept. 3, Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille confirmed.
- Five other individuals riding in the truck are expected to face similar allegations, Caille said, as detectives continue working to apprehend remaining suspects involved in the incident.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Kent man, 18, faces charges in Chelan Hills Fire
An 18-year-old Kent man faces several potential charges for allegedly setting off fireworks that started the Chelan Hills Fire in July and killed a man.
Man arrested in connection with deadly Chelan Hills fire - The Daily Chronicle
Authorities on Wednesday arrested an 18-year-old Kent man in connection with the Chelan Hills wildfire that ignited July 4 in Central Washington, killing one person and burning about 15 square miles. …
18-year-old accused of starting Chelan Hills Fire
Suspect accused of starting Chelan Hills Fire arrested in Kent
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wash. – The primary suspect believed to be responsible for starting the nearly-10,000-acre Chelan Hills Fire was arrested Wednesday on multiple charges, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium










