Authorities in Douglas County, Washington, have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with the Chelan Hills Wildfire, which broke out in July 2026. Police say video evidence shows a group of young people driving around on July 4 while shooting fireworks into the air and toward other vehicles, the same night the deadly wildfire began.
A 69-year-old man died while trying to escape the fire in his vehicle, and more than 100 structures were destroyed in the blaze.
The arrested teenager is facing charges of manslaughter and arson. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said five additional suspects remain at large and have not yet been arrested.
