Chelan Hills Fire Arrest

An 18-year-old resident of Kent has been taken into custody regarding the wildfire that ignited in Douglas County on July 4. The blaze, known as the Chelan Hills Fire, resulted in the death of an Orondo resident, left firefighters with injuries, and inflicted millions of dollars in property damage.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives developed probable cause and arrested the Kent man on September 2. The suspect was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center without incident.

Authorities have charged the individual with first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault.

During a preliminary hearing held on September 3 in Douglas County Superior Court, Judge Brian Huber determined probable cause for the arrest and established bail at $1 million. Prosecutors had sought a $2 million figure, while the defense counsel proposed a range between $20,000 and $50,000. No plea was submitted during the proceedings.

Allegations Regarding Fireworks

Court records detail the accusations against the suspect in a 13-page probable cause statement filed on September 3. Investigators allege that a firework was discharged from a moving vehicle.

Deputies were dispatched shortly after midnight on July 4 to address a brush fire near U.S. Highway 97, milepost 233, north of Orondo. Witnesses reported observing fireworks being set off from vehicles traveling along the highway, including a white Dodge Ram. Investigators focused their inquiry on that vehicle along with a Nissan Titan and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, which were linked to the group.

To reconstruct the timeline, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from businesses and cameras located in Chelan, along U.S. 97, and within the Sun Cove area. Additional video recordings were obtained from inside or near the white Dodge Ram.

One video depicts the suspect in the bed of the truck holding what investigators identified as a firework. Another recording shows the individual lighting the device while the truck was in motion and firing it from the vehicle. Investigators state that the location and timing depicted in the video correspond with the area where the fire originated.

Casualties and Damage

Robert M. Lister, 69, of Orondo, died during the incident. The Sheriff’s Office reported that his vehicle left the roadway during the evacuation process and was subsequently consumed by the fire. The Douglas County Coroner’s Office later identified the remains found within the vehicle as those of Lister.

The probable cause statement identifies six firefighters who sustained injuries during the response to the blaze. The injuries cited include smoke exposure, burns, and other related afflictions. These injuries support the six counts of third-degree assault.

A damage assessment referenced in the affidavit, which contained 59 entries, estimated the total financial losses at approximately $6.15 million.

Chelan Hills Fire Destruction Detailed

The Chelan Hills Fire ultimately scorched approximately 15.6 square miles and leveled more than 100 structures, according to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

Fire Mobilization Authorized

State fire mobilization was authorized by the Washington State Patrol at 4:30 a.m. on July 4 following a request from Douglas County Fire District 4. At that time, officials reported that flames were consuming grass and brush in the vicinity of Orondo and Chelan Falls, posing a threat to homes, infrastructure, and public safety.

Release Conditions Set by Court

In addition to establishing bail at $1 million, the court outlined specific conditions that would apply should Yakimov be granted release.

The court order mandates GPS monitoring and requires the surrender of any passports. Furthermore, the defendant is prohibited from possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons, consuming alcohol, entering areas within Douglas County affected by the Chelan Hills Fire, or contacting specific witnesses and co-defendants.

The court further stipulated that Yakimov must remain within Washington state boundaries unless prior authorization is granted to leave.

Yakimov is scheduled to appear for arraignment on September 14.