SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS TEENS FIRING FIREWORKS FROM MOVING TRUCK BEFORE DEADLY WASHINGTON WILDFIRE — SECOND SUSPECT ARRESTED

DOUGLAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON — Newly released video appears to show a group of young people firing fireworks from the back of a moving pickup truck shortly before a massive wildfire erupted in Washington state, leaving one person dead and more than 100 structures destroyed.

The investigation has now taken another major turn.

A second suspect, 19-year-old Mark R. Okhrimchik of University Place, Washington, was arrested on September 17 by the U.S. Marshals Service on an outstanding Douglas County felony warrant. He was later transported to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.

Okhrimchik faces the same charges as 18-year-old Michael Yakimov, including first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.

The charges are allegations, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

THE VIDEO THAT CHANGED THE INVESTIGATION

The dramatic footage was recorded shortly after midnight on July 4, 2026, as several people traveled along U.S. Highway 97 in a 2016 Dodge Ram.

Investigators say the video shows Yakimov holding and firing a device known as a “Trooper Turret” from the truck bed.

According to court documents, the device was capable of launching numerous Roman candles in a short period.

At one point, the fireworks were allegedly directed toward a passing SUV.

Investigators say another person can be heard encouraging the fireworks to be fired toward the vehicle, while another voice later says, “Don’t tell them who was shooting.”

Detectives later recovered a similar firework launcher near the area where the massive blaze is believed to have started.

Authorities allege that the fireworks ignited dry roadside vegetation, triggering the Chelan Hills Fire.

A FIRE THAT SPREAD ACROSS THOUSANDS OF ACRES

The blaze rapidly expanded through dry and windy conditions.

Approximately 10,000 acres burned, while more than 100 structures were destroyed or damaged, including 19 homes, according to authorities and news reports. Property losses have been estimated at more than $9 million.

Six firefighters were also injured while battling the fire.

But the most devastating consequence was the loss of a life.

ROBERT LISTER WAS TRYING TO ESCAPE

The victim was identified as 69-year-old Robert Lister, an Orondo resident.

During the evacuation, Lister’s vehicle reportedly left the roadway and was later consumed by the flames. Human remains found inside the vehicle were subsequently identified as Lister.

His family said the arrest of the first suspect allowed them to begin the difficult process of healing, while remembering Lister as someone who was loved and would not be forgotten.

FIRST SUSPECT PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Yakimov was arrested on September 2 and appeared in Douglas County Superior Court on September 17.

He pleaded not guilty to the nine charges against him.

He remains in custody with bail set at $1 million, according to local reporting.

His family has disputed the suggestion that he was responsible for starting the fire, according to FOX 13 Seattle, saying others involved should also be held accountable.

SECOND ARREST — AND THREE MORE SUSPECTS SOUGHT

The investigation expanded again when U.S. Marshals located Okhrimchik and arrested him on September 17.

Authorities say he was among the people allegedly involved in the events captured on video.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has said that arrest warrants have also been issued for three additional suspects connected to the investigation. Detectives are continuing to work with other law-enforcement agencies to locate them.

The case therefore remains active, with investigators still working to establish exactly what each person allegedly did before the fire began.

A NIGHT THAT CHANGED AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY

What began with a group of young people allegedly setting off fireworks on a summer holiday turned into a disaster that spread across thousands of acres.

Homes were destroyed.

Firefighters were injured.

And Robert Lister never made it out.

Now, with two arrests made and three more suspects still being sought, investigators are continuing to piece together the events of that night.

For residents who lost homes and belongings, the consequences will last far longer than the few moments captured in the videos.

And for Lister’s family, the investigation is ultimately about more than a wildfire.

It is about remembering a man whose life was lost while trying to escape it. 🕊️

The investigation remains ongoing, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.