Teen Arrested In Connection To Devastating July 4 Fire

Actions have consequences, and some actions lead to irreversible effects that some may never forget. An 18-year-old has been arrested for his connection to the massive July 4 fire in Chelan Hills.

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What Happened?

The 18-year-old from Kent, Washington, was setting off illegal fireworks with his friends from the back of a pickup when one landed in brush on the side of the road. What ensued was a massive conflagration that burned through 15 square miles, destroyed 100 structures, including 19 homes, and left 1 dead.

Robert Lister, age 69, from Orondo, was blinded by the fast-moving inferno and was unable to stay on the road and was consumed by flames. Authorities are still searching for the 5 others involved in partaking in the illegal fireworks.

"You are all complicit with the same crimes," said Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Caille, who urged them to turn themselves in.

The Charges

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested by Douglas County detectives and has been taken to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center. He faces investigations and charges of first-degree arson, first-degree manslaughter, malicious mischief, and 6 counts of third-degree assault!

These charges are considered Class A felonies and could hypothetically amount to life in prison, though sentences for multiple crimes committed at the same time are often served at the same time in Washington State.

For a first-time offender, the standard range for first-degree arson is around 21–27 months. However, since the arson led to a death, the prosecutor could hypothetically seek a much harsher sentence! We will follow up when we receive updates!

READ MORE: SAVE A BUNDLE ON CENTRAL WA STATE FAIR ADMISSION-BUT ACT NOW!

Was this innocent teenage fun that got out of hand or an act of gross negligence that should be punished as harshly as possible? Time will tell.