On the Fourth of July weekend, a wildfire tore through Douglas County, Washington, killing one person, injuring six firefighters, and destroying 19 homes. Amid the devastation, animals were also victims — two dogs, three cats, and numerous wild and farm animals, including deer, ducks, geese, goats, rabbits, and turkeys, died in the flames, according to the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Eighteen-year-old Michael Yakimov of Kent has already been charged with first-degree manslaughter, first-degree arson, malicious mischief, and six counts of third-degree assault in connection with the fire, known as the Chelan Hills Fire. But prosecutors have not yet added charges for the animals who suffered and died in the blaze.

PETA has formally asked Douglas County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Callan Martinez to add cruelty-to-animals charges against Yakimov. "As the Chelan Hills Fire swept through neighborhoods and hillsides, both wild animals and beloved companions burned alive in agony, while countless more lost their homes," said PETA Vice President Daniel Paden, according to a PETA press release. PETA notes that prosecutors in neighboring Oregon and California have pursued similar charges in comparable cases and won convictions.

Animals cannot advocate for themselves, but the law can still hold accountable those who cause their suffering. Douglas County has the chance to set a precedent that arson resulting in animal deaths carries real consequences — not just for the people harmed, but for every living creature caught in the fire's path.

Sign this petition to urge Senior Deputy Prosecutor Callan Martinez to add animal cruelty charges against the Chelan Hills Fire suspect — before another fire costs more animal lives without consequence.