Key facts
- An 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with a deadly July 4 fire in Washington state.
- Authorities are seeking five other individuals believed to be involved.
- The fire was reportedly started by illegal fireworks launched from a truck.
- The blaze destroyed over 100 structures, including 19 homes, and burned roughly 15.6 square miles.
- One person, 69-year-old Robert Lister, died when his vehicle was engulfed by the fire.
An 18-year-old from Kent, Washington, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and arson in connection with a deadly July 4 fire. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office stated that the blaze was ignited when illegal fireworks, set off from the back of a truck by a group of individuals, landed in roadside brush.
Authorities are also seeking arrest warrants for five other people over 18 who are considered complicit in the incident. Sheriff Tyler Caille described the actions as "complete recklessness" that led to billions of dollars in losses, the death of Robert Lister, and significant property destruction.
The Chelan Hills Fire burned approximately 15.6 square miles (40.4 square kilometers), destroying more than 100 structures, including 19 homes. Robert Lister, a 69-year-old Orondo resident, was identified as the sole fatality after his vehicle slid off the road and was consumed by the flames. Lister's family released a statement expressing that the arrest marks a step towards healing.
Washington has experienced a severe fire season, with blazes scorching over 1,125 square miles across the state. Separately, another man was charged last month in connection with starting the Old Trails Fire in Spokane, which destroyed numerous buildings.