Teenagers accused of igniting deadly Washington wildfire with highway fireworks
Video shows 18-year-old Michael Yakimov and friends firing fireworks from a truck on US Highway 97, an act prosecutors say sparked the Chelan Hills Fire that killed one driver and razed dozens of structures.
A newly released video captures Michael Yakimov, 18, and several friends laughing as they fire a Trooper Turret— a rapid-fire Roman candle device— from the bed of a truck traveling along US Highway 97 in central Washington shortly after midnight on July 4. Prosecutors allege that one of the fireworks ignited the Chelan Hills Fire, which quickly expanded to a 15.6-square-mile blaze, destroying over 100 structures, including 19 homes, and killing 69-year-old driver Robert Lister after his vehicle left the road and caught fire.
Investigators recovered a firework matching the description near milepost 233, the presumed origin point. Yakimov has been charged with first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault, and his bail is set at $1 million with an arraignment scheduled for Sept. 17. Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille announced that authorities are also seeking arrest warrants for five other adults, describing the incident as reckless conduct that caused extensive loss of life and property.
Why it matters
The case highlights how illegal fireworks can trigger deadly wildfires, leading to loss of life, property damage and serious criminal charges.
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