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- One of the three major wildfires that swept through California this weekend was caused by a gender reveal party.
- A “smoke-generating pyrotechnic device” started the El Dorado fire in Yucaipa, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said.
- So far, the fire has burned 7,050 acres.
- Two other major active fires, the Creek Fire and the Valley Fire, have burned 73,278 and 9,850 acres respectively.
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A fire that broke out in California and has so far burned more than 7,000 acres of forest was caused by a gender reveal party, authorities said.
At around 10:20 am Saturday, a “smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used during a gender reveal party” set a fire at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. (CAL FIRE) in a statement. statement on Sunday.
Since then, the fire has spread north to Yucaipa Ridge, prompting evacuation orders to be enforced at Oak Glen, Yucaipa Ridge, Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls.
“With the dry conditions and critical fire climate, it doesn’t take much to start a wildfire. Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially and criminally liable,” the statement said.
—CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) September 7, 2020
As of Monday morning, 7,050 acres have been burned, of which only 5% have been contained, according to a CAL FIRE tracker.
The fire is one of three currently raging in parts of the state. On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in five counties.
San Miguel County firefighters fight a wildfire along Japatul Road during the Valley Fire in Jamul, California, on September 6, 2020.
SANDY HUFFAKER / AFP via Getty Images
The Creek Fire currently moving through the Sierra Nevada Mountains has burned 73,278 acres since it started Friday, according to CAL FIRE.
On Saturday, about 150 campers were trapped in the Mammoth Pool Reservoir in the National Park after the fire broke out. They were later airlifted to safety.
The Valley Fire that began Saturday in San Diego County has so far burned 9,850 acres, CAL FIRE said.
The fires are the latest in a succession of fires to hit California in August and September. Eight people have died and around 3,300 buildings have been razed, Reuters reported.
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