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Weather & Disasters

Fireworks Launched From Moving Truck Sparked Deadly Washington Wildfire

📍 Douglas County, WashingtonFilmed 18 Sep 2026NTA12988By Darko Manevski

Credit: Douglas County Sheriff Office / NTA

Authorities have released footage they say shows what started the deadly Chelan Hills Fire on July 4.

Authorities have released footage they say shows what started the deadly Chelan Hills Fire on July 4.

Officials said 18-year-old Michael Yakimov launched lit Roman candles from a moving vehicle. Fireworks were banned in most of Douglas County, which was under a burn ban at the time.

According to authorities, the fireworks ignited dry grass along the roadway, sparking the fire.

The blaze killed a 69-year-old man, injured six firefighters and burned nearly 10,000 acres. It also caused more than $6 million in losses before being contained nearly a week later.

Yakimov has been arrested and faces charges including manslaughter and arson. His bail was set at $1 million, and he is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.

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Clip details

Credit: Douglas County Sheriff Office / NTA
Byline: Darko Manevski, Journalist
Licence: Non-exclusive · Worldwide
Rating: Not rated yet
Restrictions: None
#ChelanHillsFire#DouglasCounty#Fireworks#MichaelYakimov#RomanCandles#Washington#Wildfire

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