- One of three major wildfires tearing through Califonia this weekend was caused by a gender reveal party.
- A "smoke generating pyrotechnic device" sparked the El Dorado Fire in Yucaipa, the
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said. - The fire has so far 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.
A fire that broke out in California and has so far burned more than 7,000 acres of woodland was caused by a gender-reveal party, authorities said.
At around 10:20 a.m. on Saturday, a "smoke generating pyrotechnic device, used during a gender reveal party" sparked a fire in the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said in a statement on Sunday.
The fire has since spread north to Yucaipa Ridge, prompting evacuation orders to be enforced on Oak Glen, Yucaipa Ridge, Mountain Home Village, and Forest Falls.
"With the dry conditions and critical fire weather, 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 responsible," the statement said.
—CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) September 7, 2020
As of Monday morning, 7,050 acres have been burned, only 5% of which has been contained, according to a tracker from CAL FIRE.
The fire is one of three currently raging across parts of the state. On Sunday, governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for five counties.
The Creek Fire currently moving through the Sierra Nevada Mountains has burned 73,278 acres since it began on Friday, according to CAL FIRE.
On Saturday, around 150 campers were trapped at the Mammoth Pool Reservoir in the National Park after the fire exploded in size. They were later airlifted to safety.
The Valley Fire that began on Saturday in San Diego County has so far burned 9,850 acres, CAL FIRE said.
The fires are the latest in a succession of blazes that have hit California in August and September. Eight people have died and around 3,300 buildings have been razed, Reuters reported.