Family of Chelan Hills Fire arson suspect speaks out

We begin with 18 year old accused of starting the deadly Chelan Hills fire with illegal fireworks on july 4th. The fire scorched more than 10,000 acres, destroyed 19 homes and damaged dozens more. The fire also claimed the life of this man, 69 year old Robert Lister who died trying to escape the flames in his car but didn't make it out in time. The sheriff's office says his dogs died with him and the remains of his wife who had died a month earlier were also lost today. Lister's stepdaughters spoke on behalf of the family. It's not fair that we lost a life over some fun. It's just not fair. Kids will do stupid things but sometimes you got to think before you react and do crazy things like that knowing that we're in a fire danger. Life goes in a news conference today. Douglas County Sheriff Tyler Kell announced officials are seeking arrest warrants for five others believed to have been involved. One of them, this man who the sheriff's office identifies as 18 year old Michael Yakimov. He was located arrested without incident, transported in a Douglas County patrol car from Kent back to Douglas County and then subsequently booked in the Chelan County Regional Jail. The sheriff's office says they know who the five others are and are working to find them. As for the 18 year old, the deadline for charges to be filed against him is September 9th. Now tonight, some of Yakimov's family and friends are speaking out after the Douglas County Sheriff named the 18 year old as a suspect in the case and he made a first appearance in Douglas County Court FOX 13's Jennifer Dowling joining us live with their story, Jennifer. Yeah, I spoke to his mom and his brother, his younger brother doing an interview with his mom's permission. I also spoke to a family friend. They all say that they don't believe that Michael actually started the fire and they want those other people that are also involved to be held accountable. I don't believe that he did it. Michael Yakimov's younger brother Moses says he's missing his big brother as the 18 year old sits behind bars. I'm not feeling too good about it. Michael was sort of a father figure to me and somebody important in my life. Michael was arrested in Kent and accused by the Douglas County Sheriff, who also provided this photo during a press conference held today of being part of a group shooting fireworks out of the bed of this truck on July 4th. Investigators believe those actions started the Chelan Hills fire. The fire burned through 10,000 acres, destroyed more than 100 structures and killed 69 year old Robert Lister. The teen is being held on $1 million bond facing multiple charges, including first degree arson, first degree manslaughter, first degree malicious mischief and six counts of third degree assault. Anyone involved needs to be held accountable, so he shouldn't be the only one taking the fall for it at all. Family friends like Rachel say everyone in the community is praying over the situation. I mean, he still has a lot of growing to do as we all do. So I just pray that he gets through this and whatever he needs to learn. Moses also has a message for his brother. I would tell him to be strong and that he's gonna get out soon because he's not the one who did it. And the Douglas County Sheriff has said that there could be as many as five others who were involved. Michael's mom says that she believes they are, quote, hiding out and she'd like them to be held accountable. Reporting live in Seattle, Jennifer Dowling FOX 13 news.