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Wildfire sparked by 'gender reveal' party pyrotechnic device, CAL FIRE says

Wildfire sparked by 'gender reveal' party pyrotechnic device, CAL FIRE says
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
A plume of smoke from the El Dorado Fire is seen from the Interstate 10 in Loma Linda, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020. In Southern California, a fast-moving fire in the foothills of Yucaipa has prompted evacuation orders for Oak Glen, a farm community that just opened its apple-picking season to the public. Cal Fire's San Bernardino unit said the fire has scorched at least 800 acres and was burning at a "moderate to dangerous" rate of spread. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Wildfire sparked by 'gender reveal' party pyrotechnic device, CAL FIRE says
Posted at 6:26 AM, Sep 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 19:14:15-04

Fire officials in California say a brush fire that erupted in San Bernardino County on Saturday was caused by a pyrotechnic device, used at a gender reveal party.

The El Dorado Fire ignited just before 10:30 a.m. in the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, according to CAL FIRE, before spreading north to Yucaipa Ridge.

As of Sunday, the fire had burned at least 7,050 acres and was 5 percent contained, according to Cleveland National Forest.

CAL FIRE said the fire was started by a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device that was used during a gender reveal party.

While CAL FIRE said fires that are started due to negligence or criminal activity can be financially or criminally held liable, no charges were immediately announced in connection with this fire.

The El Dorado Fire is one of several around California that prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in multiple counties on Sunday.

This story originally reported by Mark Saunders on 10News.com.

Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

WILDFIRE RESOURCES

ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

  • Easily carried valuables
  • Family photos and other irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.