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3 more teens arrested in connection with deadly Washington wildfire

KPTV • September 18, 2026 • nation

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Federal and local authorities arrested three additional teenagers in Western Washington in connection with the deadly Chelan Hills Fire, bringing the total number in custody to four, with more arrests expected.
The group allegedly shot Roman candles from a speeding pickup truck on July 4 during a countywide fireworks and burn ban, igniting dry grass that caused a wildfire killing one man, injuring six firefighters, and destroying over 100 buildings.
The fire caused more than $6 million in property damage across 10,000 acres, and a video surfaced showing teenagers firing fireworks from a truck bed toward passing cars.
One previously arrested suspect, 18-year-old Michael Yakimov, pleaded not guilty and his family maintains he is not responsible for starting the fire.
Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille emphasized the importance of collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Service in apprehending the suspects and noted the investigation is ongoing as some suspects remain at large.

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