Three companies have agreed to pay over $4 million for their involvement in the El Dorado Fire, which started during a gender reveal party in Yucaipa, in 2020.
The fire burned nearly 23,000 acres, destroyed structures, and resulted in the death of U.S. Forest Service firefighter Charles Morton.
The fire began on September 5, 2020, when a pyrotechnic device ignited dry vegetation at El Dorado Ranch Park. The blaze spread to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area, burning for over 70 days across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the settlement on Tuesday, stating that Wholesale Fireworks Corp., its subsidiary American Fireworks Wholesale LLC, and Pink or Blue Gender Team Inc. will pay for the damages.
The DOJ sued the companies in September 2023, alleging that they were liable for the fire due to the design, import, and distribution of the smoke bomb used in the gender reveal. The companies failed to warn customers about the fire risks, despite knowing the dangers. The smoke bombs were illegal to sell in California.
The couple responsible for the party, Angela Renee Jimenez and Refugio Manuel Jimenez Jr., were convicted in 2024, with Refugio facing an involuntary manslaughter charge. Morton, who died battling the fire, was remembered as a dedicated and respected firefighter with 18 years of service. His death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and colleagues.
The settlement aims to cover the costs incurred by the U.S. Forest Service in fighting the fire and restoring the damaged land. The companies’ payment includes $4 million from Wholesale Fireworks and its subsidiary, and $50,000 from Pink or Blue Gender Team Inc.
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