ORONDO, Wash. — Three young adults accused of being involved in the deadly Chelan Hills Fire have formally been charged in court.
A total of four people have now been arrested in connection with the deadly Chelan Hills wildfire.
On July 4, a wildfire in Oroville 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.
Investigators determined the fireworks ignited dry grass along the highway, starting the Chelan Hills Fire.
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.
In early September, 18-year-old Kent man Michael Yakimov was arrested and charged in connection with the fire.
He pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.
On Sept. 17, three others, Julian Mikityuk (19), Mark Okhrimchik (19), Valentin Tabunscic (18), were arrested for their alleged involvement in the fire.
All three were arrested for first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.
Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille confirmed to KIRO 7 that the three were formally charged on Sept. 24.
KIRO 7 has reached out to Douglas County courts for more information on the charging decision.
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