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Wildfire caused by gender reveal party scorches over 10,000 acres of land in California

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PHOTO CREDITS: SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP

According to CNN, as of Tuesday, a wildfire in Southern California has spread more than 10,000 acres. ~

The El Dorado Fire in Southern California’s San Bernardino County has scorched 10,574 acres of land and was 16% contained, according to fire officials, who say it’s “one of the most dangerous fires” they’ve seen in the area (CNN). The fire was caused by a “smoke-generating pyrotechnic device” used at a gender reveal party on Saturday, September 5 in El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa. ~

Evacuation orders have been given in the area as the fire continues to spread. “In my 30 years as a citizen in Yucaipa, I have never seen such a large fire,” Yucaipa Mayor David Avila said during a Monday news conference. “As a retired firefighter with 32 years of experience, I can assure you I witnessed one of the most dangerous fires that we can have in this area” (EcoWatch). No injuries have been reported and no structures have been damaged in the blaze, Cal Fire spokeswoman Cathey Mattingly said. ~

Firefighters made good progress on the fire Monday, as there was no major wind event, according to a news release from the San Bernardino National Forest. “The hard work of crews on the ground, dozers, and aircraft have enabled a lot of great work to be accomplished as fire lines continue to be constructed around the fire in preparation for the upcoming Red Flag Santa Ana Wind event starting at noon tomorrow and lasting through Wednesday,” the San Bernardino National Forest said in a statement. ~

CalFire investigator Capt. Bennet Milloy said that over 80% of fires are caused by humans and that people must be more aware of their surroundings. “You need to be extra cautious because you could be liable.” ~

ARTICLE: KYLE SMITH

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