A gender reveal photo shoot gone wrong resulted in a wildfire in the Inland Empire over the weekend. CNN reports a couple used a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device for the event at the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa on Saturday. Surveillance video from the party shows a person appearing to light the device as the couple and children walk into the grass. Shortly thereafter, the family can be seen scrambling and grabbing water bottles as the flames spread. According to CalFire investigator Capt. Bennet Milloy, the park is a popular destination, but this time of year its dry brush makes easy tinder for wildfires. "It really is a tragedy, it's sad. They were hoping to remember the day in a different way," said Capt. Milloy, noting that over 80% of fires are caused by humans. "You need to be extra cautious because you could be liable." The family and photographer are cooperating with fire investigators.
Santa Ana winds are now forecast for most of Southern California this week. Gusts are expected to pick up today, then intensify tomorrow. Right now, flames are dangerously close to the communities of Mountain Home Ridge and Forest Falls, where winds often whip faster through the canyons.
The blogger who is credited for creating the “Gender Reveal Party” posted on Facebook, “Stop having these stupid parties. For the love of God, stop burning things down to tell everyone about your kid’s penis. No one cares but you.” (See below)
Wildfires have burned more than two million acres in California this year.