A firefighter has passed away battling a blaze sparked by gender reveal party in California.
According to reports, the fire started from a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device used to show the baby’s gender as thousands of firemen continue to fight devastating wildfires across the state.
The name of the firefighter won’t be released until relatives are notified. The US Forest Service also said in a statement that the cause of death is still under investigation.
A spokesperson for Forest Service, Zach Behrens, said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time.”
The blaze started on September 5 when a couple hosted a gender reveal party at El Dorado Ranch Park.
They used a smoke-generating pyrotechnic device to show their baby’s gender and set it off in a field where it immediately lit dry grass.
According to Cal Fire, the blaze has destroyed ten buildings and damaged others as burned almost 30 square miles.
The couple, who tried to used bottled water to extinguish the fire and contacted 911, could face criminal charges and be held liable for the incident.
This comes as more than 17,400 crews were deployed to fight 26 wildfires in the state. Devastating blazes have raged for weeks due to conditions created by draught, high winds and lightning.
At least 35 people died, 26 in California, 8 in Oregon, and 1 in Washington state. Small towns have been destroyed and thousands of people were forced to flee for their lives.
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