Wildfire Arrest
Teen arrested for manslaughter and arson over deadly Chelan Hills Fire.
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Key Points
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Michael Yakimov, an 18-year-old Kent resident, was arrested on Sept. 2 in Kent and identified as the primary suspect in igniting the Chelan Hills Fire; he was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on suspicion of first-degree arson, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault.
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The fire victim has been identified as 69-year-old Robert M. Lister of Orondo; his body was found July 5 inside a vehicle that had slid off the roadway and been consumed by the fire.
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The Chelan Hills Fire burned about 10,000 acres and damaged around 19 homes and several dozen other buildings; several firefighters were injured during the outbreak, with injuries ranging from minor burns to smoke inhalation.
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Rewards in the case totaled $30,000, with $25,000 pledged by Douglas County and an additional $5,000 contributed by the ATF; officials had previously indicated fireworks as a potential ignition source.
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A press conference to provide additional information about the arrest and ongoing investigation was scheduled by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for 11 a.m. on Sept. 3 at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in East Wenatchee.
An 18-year-old Kent resident was arrested on September 2 in connection with the Chelan Hills Fire, a deadly wildfire that ignited on July 4 and killed a 69-year-old man. Lake Chelan Mirror reports that Michael Yakimov faces charges including first-degree arson, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault.
The fire burned approximately 10,000 acres across the Chelan Hills and McNeil Canyon areas, destroying multiple homes and damaging nearly 19 residences plus dozens of other buildings. King 5 reports that video evidence shows the suspect shooting fireworks at a vehicle prior to the fire's start, with authorities receiving $30,000 in reward money to help solve the case.
Victim Found Trapped in Burned Vehicle
The fire claimed one life on July 5. Robert M. Lister, a 69-year-old Orondo resident, was discovered inside a vehicle that had slid off the roadway and been consumed by flames. Chron Line confirmed his identity as authorities worked to understand how the rapid-spreading blaze developed.
Video Evidence Links Suspect to Fire Ignition
King 5 reports that video footage shows the suspect shooting fireworks at a vehicle shortly before the Chelan Hills Fire erupted. This evidence became critical in the investigation, as authorities had initially considered fireworks a possible ignition source. Yakimov was arrested in Kent and booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center by Douglas County investigators.
Investigation Involved Major Rewards and Regional Response
Authorities offered $30,000 in total rewards to solve the case — $25,000 pledged by Douglas County and $5,000 from the ATF. The July 4 fire prompted emergency evacuations and a statewide response. Several firefighters sustained injuries ranging from minor burns to smoke inhalation during firefighting efforts.
More Arrests Expected as Investigation Continues
Lake Chelan Mirror reports that five additional people are expected to face arrest in connection with the deadly fire. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office scheduled a press conference for September 3 to release more details about Yakimov's arrest and the ongoing investigation.
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