A gender reveal party ignited a massive wildfire that burned for over two months
In short: In September 2020, a pyrotechnic device used for a gender reveal celebration sparked a blaze in California. The resulting El Dorado Fire scorched over 22,000 acres, destroyed multiple structures, and claimed the life of a firefighter. The event sparked a national conversation about the safety of such celebrations.
The fire began on the morning of September 5, 2020, at El Dorado Ranch Park near Yucaipa. A smoke-emitting device used during a photoshoot ignited dry grass, and the flames quickly moved into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. The combination of steep terrain, temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and low humidity allowed the fire to expand rapidly. By the following day, the burn area had already grown from five acres to over 7,000 acres.
Over a 71-day period, the fire consumed 22,744 acres. Firefighting efforts were intense and costly, totaling more than $42 million in suppression expenses. Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of one firefighter and 13 other injuries, while 20 structures were destroyed. The fire reached its maximum extent by September 29, though it continued to smolder until mid-November. The environmental impact persisted long after the flames were extinguished, as the denuded soil created ongoing risks for landslides and debris flows in the region.
The legal consequences for the hosts were significant. In July 2021, the couple involved was charged with multiple felonies, including involuntary manslaughter. By February 2024, the legal proceedings concluded with guilty pleas. One individual received a sentence of one year in jail and two years of probation, while the other was sentenced to summary probation and community service. The court also ordered the pair to pay nearly $1.8 million in restitution to those affected by the destruction.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: El Dorado Fire
- Also: Wikidata — El Dorado Fire · CC0
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