A couple from Southern California, who in 2020 organized a party to discover the gender of the baby that caused the massive fires in El Dorado, are accused of 30 crimes, including negligent homicide.
CNN reports that a smoke-laden explosive device placed by the couple in Yucaipa on Sept. 5 to reveal the baby's gender caused a fire that burned more than 22,000 acres in two counties, San Bernardino District Attorney Jason Anderson said in a press conference.
One firefighter was killed while fighting the blaze and two others were injured, according to Anderson. The fire destroyed several homes and burned more than 22,000 acres. Authorities determined the cause of the fire was a "pyrotechnic device that generated smoke."
The couple pleaded not guilty at Tuesday's trial, until the next hearing scheduled for September.
"You are obviously dealing with lost lives, you are dealing with injured lives and you are dealing with the homes of people who have been burned and the land that has been destroyed. This involves a lot, not only emotions, but also damage, both financially and psychologically, ”said the prosecutor.
They are charged with involuntary manslaughter, charges of causing a fire by negligence, charges of destroying property, etc., for a total of 30 charges, out of 34 testimonies obtained within four days.
The fire "had a tremendous impact on the San Bernardino community," Anderson said, adding that at least six agencies "were involved in curbing, extinguishing and investigating" the fire.
