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18-year-old arrested in Washington state for deadly July 4 fire
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- An 18-year-old from Kent, Washington, has been arrested on charges of manslaughter and arson related to a deadly fire that started on July 4 due to illegal fireworks.
- The Chelan Hills Fire burned approximately 15.6 square miles, destroyed over 100 structures including 19 homes, and resulted in one fatality.
- The victim, Robert Lister, 69, died after his vehicle slid off the road and was engulfed by the flames; his family expressed that the arrest helps them begin healing.
- Authorities are seeking arrest warrants for five other adults involved in setting off the illegal fireworks and have urged them to surrender.
- The Douglas County Sheriff highlighted the severe consequences of the reckless actions, which contributed to Washington’s intense fire season affecting over 1,125 square miles statewide.
