Southern California Fire Caused by Illegal Fireworks Leaves 6 Homes Destroyed and $10 Million in Damage
This week, officials stated that illegal pyrotechnics were the cause of a fire that broke out over the weekend in southern California, destroying six residences and total losses of ten million dollars.
According to Patricia Lock Dawson, the mayor of the city, who spoke at a news conference on Monday, the Hawarden fire in Riverside County has destroyed 527 acres, caused damage to seven residences, and cost the county more than one million dollars in emergency response costs.
It has been reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection that there have been at least two people who have sustained injuries.
According to Lock Dawson, authorities who investigated the arson discovered that pyrotechnics were the cause of the “horrendous” fire. The footage from the surveillance cameras showed suspects departing the area along with a “vehicle of interest.” Suspects in connection with the fire are being sought by the authorities.
The area’s dry brush, uneven topography, and high temperatures, which make it particularly prone to fires, are the reasons why pyrotechnics are prohibited in our town, according to Lock Dawson, who stated that this sad tragedy serves as a sharp reminder of why fireworks are prohibited in our community. “Unfortunately, there are other people who have decided to disregard these dangers.”
The fire that broke out in southern California occurred at a time when the western region is experiencing a challenging fire season, notably in the northwest Pacific region, as well as consecutive heatwaves. In the state of Oregon, firefighters are battling a fire that affects approximately 245,000 acres and has grown to such a great size that it is producing its weather.
This past summer, cities and counties across the state of California prohibited the use of fireworks and canceled activities that were scheduled to take place on the Fourth of July owing to the potential for fire.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, fireworks have been responsible for more than 10,500 fires and more than $46 million in property losses in the state over the past ten years.
More than 120 tons of illegal fireworks were seized by the state, according to statements made by Daniel Berlant, the state fire marshal, during a press conference earlier this month. According to him, a fire can start in a matter of seconds if pyrotechnics are used improperly or if they are illegal.
According to what he said, “given the current circumstances, that fire has the potential to rapidly spread and cause significant destruction.”
Those who were determined to be responsible for the Hawarden fire, which had been reduced to sixty percent as of Wednesday, will be prosecuted, according to Lock Dawson, who is located in Riverside.
According to the statement made by the mayor, “Our investigators will continue to work tirelessly until we are given the assurance that the suspects have been captured.” Furthermore, I would like to make it clear that we will make certain that they are prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.