Current:Home > StocksPolice seek suspects caught on video after fireworks ignite California blaze -MoneyStream
Police seek suspects caught on video after fireworks ignite California blaze
View
Date:2025-04-12 15:03:26
Illegal fireworks were blamed for a California wildfire that destroyed at least six homes as scores of blazes raced across much of the West on Tuesday, fueled by a hazardous heat wave blanketing much of the region.
In California, more than 1,500 Riverside residents were driven from their homes as the Hawarden Fire spread over more than 500 tinder-dry acres. Two people have been injured and at least seven other homes damaged in the fast-moving blaze that authorities said was ignited by fireworks Sunday. The blaze is 40% contained, Cal Fire said.
"In just over 24 hours, a moment of fireworks has an estimated cost of $11 million," Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said late Monday. "Once assessments are complete I fear there may be more to report."
Authorities said they have video of the culprits and a manhunt was underway. "We will prosecute those responsible for this incident," she said.
A video shows three suspects running from the scene as a homeowner calls out, "We've already called the police on you." A suspect shouts back, "Hey, do you have a fire extinguisher?"
"Oh dude, you're way past that. What the hell were you doing out there?" the voice replies.
Another local homeowner, Maihanh Tran, told ABC7 she was not home when she was notified that a fire was burning in her neighborhood. She looked at security camera footage and saw smoke in her house.
"Everything we own is gone. Everything," she said Monday. "We are still wearing the same clothes from yesterday."
Wildfires take their toll:Homes torched amid heat wave
Developments:
- A blanket of wildfire smoke enveloped a swath of the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, AccuWeather reported. Air quality reached unhealthy levels in parts of North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado where the thickest smoke was concentrated.
- Evacuations were ordered in the Mountain Ranch area of California's Calaveras County after the Maria Fire erupted Tuesday. Residents were directed to the local fairgrounds, an elementary school and a veterans hall.
More than 60 fires burning across West
The National Interagency Fire Center reported 61 major fires were burning more than 1 million acres − about the size of Delaware − across the West and were being battled by more than 21,000 firefighters. Twenty of the fires were burning in Oregon, while "fuels and fire behavior advisories" were in effect for parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho and Utah.
"Residents, travelers, or workers on their way to any of these states should be advised and familiarize themselves with the elevated risks," the agency said in a statement.
Durkee Fire is Oregon's largest
In Oregon, the fast-growing Durkee Fire had burned more than 220,000 acres since it was ignited by lighting almost a week ago − and was 0% contained Tuesday. Hundreds of residents of Baker and Malheur counties remain evacuated.
"Very hot" temperatures with highs over 100 degrees were forecast Tuesday. Wednesday will be a "transition day" with thunderstorms and 20 mph sustained southwest winds but likely won't bring relief from the heat.
"These thunderstorms may produce locally heavy rainfall," the incident report warned. "Debris flows and flash flooding across the recent burn scar will be a concern."
Canada's Jasper National Park evacuated
Canadian authorities issued an evacuation order late Monday for the Alberta town of Jasper and Jasper National Park, where multiple wildfires were burning. A short time later, Jasper officials warned that a community center in the nearby town of Valemount had quickly filled and could not accommodate more evacuees.
"If you are on the road, please drive carefully and stop and get some rest as needed," officials warned in a Facebook post. "This is an evolving emergency situation. Please be patient and be safe."
veryGood! (2255)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Backstory of disputed ‘Hotel California’ lyrics pages ‘just felt thin,’ ex-auction exec tells court
- Senators urge Biden to end duty-free treatment for packages valued at less than $800
- Helicopter crashes in wooded area of northeast Mississippi
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- A Brewer on the Brewers? MLB player hopes dream becomes reality with Milwaukee
- Beauty Blowout Deals: 83% off Perricone MD, Peter Thomas Roth, Tarte Cosmetics, and More + Free Shipping
- Remains identified as Oregon teen Sandra Young over half a century after she went missing
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- GM suspends sales of Chevy Blazer EV due to quality issues
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Malia Obama Isn't the Only One With a Stage Name—Check Out These Stars' Real Names
- Fulton County D.A.'s office disputes new Trump claims about Fani Willis' relationship with her deputy Nathan Wade
- New Jersey man acquitted in retrial in 2014 beating death of college student from Tennessee
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Facing backlash over IVF ruling, Alabama lawmakers look for a fix
- National Rifle Association and Wayne LaPierre found liable in lawsuit over lavish spending
- Assault claims roil Iditarod sled dog race as 2 top mushers are disqualified, then 1 reinstated
Recommendation
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Rangers' Matt Rempe, Flyers' Nicolas Deslauriers get into lengthy NHL fight
Amy Schumer Shares Cushing Syndrome Diagnosis After Drawing Speculation Over Her Puffier Face
The Second City, named for its Chicago location, opens an outpost in New York
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
US investigators provide data on the helicopter crash that killed 6, including a Nigerian bank CEO
Border Patrol releases hundreds of migrants at a bus stop after San Diego runs out of aid money
The 2004 SAG Awards Are a Necessary Dose of Nostalgia