Full Breakdown
Arrests Linked to the Deadly Chelan Hills Wildfire
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Arrests Tied to the Chelan Hills Wildfire
On Thursday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, working with the U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force, took three additional suspects into custody for their alleged role in the July 4 wildfire. The men are 18-year-old Valentin Tabun of Tacoma, 19-year-old Mark Okhrimchik of University Place, and 19-year-old Julian Mikityuk of Pacific. They face the same charges as the first arrestee—first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault—according to the county jail registry.
The original suspect, 18-year-old Michael Yakimov of Douglas County, pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including a deadly-weapon enhancement on each count, during a second court appearance. Court documents and video released by the sheriff’s office show Yakimov firing a cluster of Roman candles from the bed of a white truck while a burn ban prohibited fireworks and open burning. Investigators say the fireworks ignited dry grass along the roadway, sparking the fire.
Background and Investigation
The fire began on July 4, when multiple people allegedly shot fireworks from a moving truck despite a county-wide burn ban. The footage was used to obtain arrest warrants for the suspects now in custody.
Official Statements
Sheriff Tyler Caille described the arrests as “an important step toward justice” for the victim, the injured firefighters, and the broader community affected by the blaze. He indicated that further information about the defendants, charges, and additional arrests will be released as the investigation proceeds.
Data and Impact
- Area burned: more than 10,000 acres (over 15 square miles).
- Structures destroyed: more than 100.
- Financial loss: over $6 million in property damage.
- Fatalities: Robert Lister, 69, died while attempting to flee the fire; his two dogs also perished.
- Injuries: six firefighters suffered smoke-inhalation and burn injuries.
Next Legal Steps
The three newly arrested individuals were booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center and remain under investigation for the same charges as Yakimov. Their cases will proceed through the Douglas County Superior Court, with additional details expected from the sheriff’s office as the prosecution advances.