New video shows the moments several teens allegedly started the deadly Chelan Hills Fire by shooting illegal fireworks off the back of a moving truck.
Prosecutors have charged 18-year-old Michael Yakimov, who was reportedly captured on cell phone video firing a lit "Trooper Turret" firework along Highway 97, which ignited dry brush along the road and sparked the 10,000-acre wildfire.
Due to low humidity and windy weather conditions, the fire quickly spread from the roadside and burned uncontrollably into the next day. The fire damaged or destroyed about 100 structures and caused an estimated $6 million in property damage.
The fire claimed the life of 69-year-old Orondo resident Robert Lister, whose vehicle slid off the road while trying to evacuate. Six firefighters also suffered burns, thermal lung injuries, or heat exhaustion while battling the Chelan Hills Fire.
Yakimov was arrested from his home in Kent on Sept. 2. He is now formally charged with first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault.
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