US News
Teenager arrested and five others sought in connection with fatal Washington wildfire
Authorities say illegal fireworks sparked the July 4 Chelan Hills Fire, which destroyed over 100 structures and killed one person.
The short version
- An 18-year-old from Kent, Washington, was arrested for investigation of manslaughter and arson related to a July 4 wildfire.
- Investigators are seeking arrest warrants for five other individuals accused of launching illegal fireworks from a truck bed.
- The resulting Chelan Hills Fire burned about 15.6 square miles, destroyed over 100 structures, and killed 69-year-old Robert Lister.
Key facts
- An 18-year-old resident of Kent, Washington, was taken into custody for investigation of arson and manslaughter in relation to the Chelan Hills Fire.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- According to Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille, the fire ignited when an illegal firework launched from the back of a truck landed in roadside brush.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The Chelan Hills Fire burned approximately 15.6 square miles and destroyed more than 100 structures.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Robert Lister, a 69-year-old from Orondo, died after his vehicle went off the road and was overrun by the fire.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Authorities are pursuing arrest warrants for five other individuals over the age of 18 whom law enforcement considers complicit in the incident.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The identities of the five additional individuals sought by authorities have not been publicly disclosed.[ABC News · Associated Press]