SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS FIREWORKS STUNT LINKED TO MASSIVE WASHINGTON WILDFIRE

Newly released video appears to show a group of young people setting off fireworks from the back of a moving truck shortly before a massive wildfire erupted in Washington state, according to investigators.

Authorities say the incident is linked to the Chelan Hills Fire, which burned approximately 10,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 100 structures and claimed one life.

The footage reportedly shows people riding in the bed of a pickup truck as fireworks are launched from the vehicle. Investigators say one of the fireworks may have landed in dry vegetation along the roadside, triggering the blaze.

The fire broke out during the July 4 holiday weekend, when hot and dry conditions helped the flames spread rapidly across the area.

FIRE QUICKLY TURNED INTO A MASSIVE DISASTER

The Chelan Hills Fire grew rapidly after it was reported, eventually consuming thousands of acres.

According to authorities, 19 homes were among the structures destroyed, while dozens of other buildings were also affected.

One person, 69-year-old Robert Lister, died while attempting to escape the advancing fire. Six firefighters were also injured while responding to the blaze.

For residents in the affected communities, what began as a holiday celebration quickly became a devastating emergency.

18-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES

Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Michael Yakimov in connection with the investigation.

According to court documents, Yakimov is accused of being involved in the fireworks incident captured on video.

He faces multiple charges, including first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.

His bail was set at approximately $1 million, according to reports.

Investigators are also seeking several other people who they believe may have participated in or assisted with the alleged fireworks activity.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine exactly what happened in the moments before the fire began and the roles of everyone involved.

VIDEO BECOMES KEY PIECE OF EVIDENCE

The newly released footage could provide investigators with important evidence as they reconstruct the events surrounding the fire.

The video allegedly captures fireworks being launched from a moving vehicle, raising questions about how the activity may have contributed to the blaze.

Authorities have emphasized the serious consequences of the incident, including the enormous amount of land burned, homes lost, firefighters injured and the death of a local resident.

The charges against Yakimov are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

For the communities affected by the Chelan Hills Fire, the consequences of that July 4 incident continue to be felt long after the flames were extinguished.

👇 The shocking footage and the latest developments in the investigation have drawn renewed attention to how quickly a holiday stunt allegedly turned into a disaster affecting an entire community.