ORONDO, Wash. — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of a second suspect accused of being involved in starting the deadly Chelan Hills wildfire.
On July 4, a wildfire in Orondo started on Highway 97 when a group of young adults launched fireworks off a moving truck. Newly-obtained video shows the launching of these fireworks. At one point, a firework hits a passing car and explodes.
The fire burned nearly 10,000 acres and destroyed over 100 homes and buildings. A man and his dogs were killed while trying to escape the flames.
Earlier this month, 18-year-old Michael Yakimov of Kent was arrested and charged for the deadly fires. On Sept. 17, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The same day, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of another individual allegedly involved.
The U.S. Marshals arrested a 19-year-old from University Place in connection with the fires.
KIRO 7 is not naming the young man because he has not yet been charged.
He was arrested for first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.
The assault charges may be for the firefighters injured while responding.
“Similar arrest warrants have been issued for three other suspects involved in the investigation. Our office will continue working with all our law enforcement partners to bring those individuals into custody,” the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office wrote.
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