Chelan Hills Fire suspect pleads not guilty, bail cut in half

A fourth suspect in the deadly Chelan Hills Fire case has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the Fourth of July wildfire near Orondo.

Mark Okhrimchik, 19, of University Place, entered not guilty pleas Thursday in Douglas County Superior Court to nine felony charges. They include first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, first-degree malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault.

His attorney asked Judge Brian Huber to reduce Okhrimchik’s $1 million bail to $50,000 with GPS monitoring.

The defense argued Okhrimchik has strong family and community ties and was arrested at home rather than trying to flee. Huber agreed to lower the bail, but only to $500,000. All other release conditions remain in place.

The hearing also shed more light on Okhrimchik’s alleged role.

Investigators said he was filming and narrating from the bed of a moving truck while another man allegedly fired fireworks. Prosecutors argued Okhrimchik was not simply a bystander and could be held responsible as an accomplice. Huber ruled there was enough evidence for the charges to move forward.

Chelan Hills Fire killed 1, injured 6 firefighters; 6 suspects face charges

Investigators said Roman candles fired from a moving truck ignited dry grass along U.S. 97 early July 4, starting the Chelan Hills Fire.

The fire burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed more than 100 structures. Robert Lister, 69, was killed, and six firefighters were injured.

Okhrimchik is one of six suspects in the case. Three others have already pleaded not guilty.

A fifth suspect, David Radchanka, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday. One suspect remains at large.

Okhrimchik’s trial is scheduled for Nov. 17.

Read more of Tim Hohl’s stories here.