SHOCKING VIDEO SHOWS TEENS FIRING FIREWORKS FROM MOVING TRUCK — ONE MAN DIED AND 19 HOMES WERE DESTROYED IN DEADLY WILDFIRE

A newly released video has captured the moment a group of young people allegedly fired fireworks from the back of a moving truck — an incident investigators say sparked a devastating wildfire that killed a 69-year-old man and destroyed more than 100 structures in Washington state.

The footage, released as authorities continue making arrests, shows people riding in a white truck along U.S. Highway 97 shortly after midnight on July 4.

Investigators allege that fireworks fired from the vehicle landed in dry roadside vegetation and started the Chelan Hills Fire in Douglas County.

The blaze eventually burned more than 10,000 acres, destroyed more than 100 structures — including 19 homes — and caused more than $6 million in losses and property damage, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

THE VIDEO THAT BECAME KEY EVIDENCE

The newly released footage allegedly shows 18-year-old Michael Yakimov standing in the back of the truck while Roman candle-style fireworks were fired toward other vehicles.

At one point, a person can reportedly be heard urging others to fire at a passing SUV.

Investigators say one of the fireworks struck the area beside the highway, where extremely dry vegetation quickly caught fire.

A separate investigation found a Trooper Turret, a device made from multiple Roman candles, near the suspected point where the wildfire began.

Court documents say the device was capable of firing hundreds of shots within seconds.

Authorities allege the group was firing fireworks despite a county burn ban that prohibited fireworks and open burning.

THE FIRE SPREAD RAPIDLY

Once the vegetation caught fire, the flames spread rapidly through the dry landscape.

The Chelan Hills Fire ultimately burned roughly 15.6 square miles — more than 10,000 acres.

More than 100 structures were destroyed, including 19 homes.

Six firefighters were also injured while responding to the blaze.

The destruction left entire areas severely damaged, with residents forced to evacuate as the fire moved through the community.

ROBERT LISTER DIED WHILE TRYING TO ESCAPE

Among the most tragic consequences was the death of Robert Lister, 69, of Orondo.

Lister was attempting to evacuate as the fire spread.

His vehicle went off the roadway and was consumed by the flames.

His remains were later identified inside the burned vehicle.

His family later expressed gratitude to firefighters, law enforcement officers and first responders who worked through the disaster.

They also said that seeing the person accused of causing the fire held accountable would help them begin the healing process.

MICHAEL YAKIMOV WAS THE FIRST TO BE ARRESTED

Yakimov, 18, from Kent, Washington, was arrested earlier in September.

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

A court ordered him held on $1 million bail.

Yakimov has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Authorities say the investigation was helped by surveillance cameras, cellphone data and other evidence that allowed detectives to trace the truck and identify people who were allegedly inside it.

THREE MORE SUSPECTS ARRESTED

The investigation took another major turn on Sept. 18.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced that three additional suspects had been apprehended in Western Washington in connection with the Chelan Hills Fire.

According to investigators, multiple people allegedly participated in firing Roman candles from the moving truck on July 4.

The three newly arrested suspects are accused of being connected to the same incident and face allegations related to the wildfire.

Local reports identified the three as adults aged 18 and 19.

Authorities said two additional suspects remain to be arrested as the investigation continues.

AUTHORITIES SAY MORE PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED

Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille has said investigators believe the people involved were not simply bystanders.

Authorities allege that those in the truck either fired the fireworks, drove the vehicle or recorded what was happening while being aware of the activity.

The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the roles of each individual.

The allegations remain subject to the court process, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

A COMMUNITY STILL RECOVERING

The physical damage from the Chelan Hills Fire remains visible weeks later.

Homes and other structures were destroyed, thousands of acres were burned and firefighters were injured while trying to contain the flames.

But for the family of Robert Lister, the loss is even more personal.

A man who was trying to escape the wildfire never made it to safety.

And for the residents whose homes were destroyed, the July 4 celebration that began with fireworks became a day they will never forget.

The criminal investigation remains active, with prosecutors expected to pursue charges against the newly arrested suspects while authorities continue searching for the remaining people believed to have been involved.