Second suspect arrested in Chelan Hills Fire investigation

EAST WENATCHEE — A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the Chelan Hills Fire, which killed a 69-year-old Orondo man and led to multiple felony charges, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Mark R. Okhrimchik, 19, of University Place on Thursday, Sept. 17, on an outstanding Douglas County felony warrant, the sheriff’s office said. Douglas County detectives took custody of Okhrimchik at the federal courthouse in Tacoma and transported him to the Chelan County Regional Justice Center.

Okhrimchik was booked on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief and six counts of third-degree assault.

Similar arrest warrants have been issued for three other suspects involved in the investigation, according to the sheriff’s office. The agency said it is continuing to work with other law enforcement agencies to take those suspects into custody.

The arrest follows the Sept. 2 arrest of Michael Yakimov, 18, of Kent. Detectives arrested Yakimov in Kent and booked him on the same charges. The sheriff’s office identified Yakimov at the time as the primary suspect accused of igniting the Chelan Hills Fire.

The fire was reported at about 12:06 a.m. July 4 near milepost 233 on U.S. Highway 97. Douglas County deputies assisted local fire districts with evacuation notices as the fire grew, and state mobilization was approved at about 4:30 a.m.

During a follow-up investigation into a missing resident July 5, deputies found a vehicle that had gone off the roadway and was consumed by the fire. Human remains were found inside.

The Douglas County Coroner’s Office later identified the person as Robert M. Lister, 69, of Orondo. His family was notified of the identification Aug. 31.

The sheriff’s office said detectives have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and Lister’s death.

The agency also announced Thursday that it plans to make the Chelan Hills Fire case file available on its website under the state Public Records Act. The sheriff’s office said its next update is expected by the close of business Oct. 14, with subsequent updates planned every 20 business days.