You value independent local news, so become a sustainer today to power our newsroom.
The Couple That Caused The El Dorado Fire At Their Gender Reveal Has Pleaded Guilty
Smoke from the El Dorado Fire that started Sept. 5, 2020 in San Bernardino National Forest.
(
Zach Behrens
/
US Forest Service
)
The couple who caused 2020's deadly El Dorado Fire in the San Bernardino Mountains has pleaded guilty to charges including involuntary manslaughter and recklessly causing fire to inhabited structures.
How it happened: In high September heat, the couple set off a smoke bomb at their gender reveal party sparking a fire which quickly spread and threatened communities in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The charges: Refugio Jimenez Jr. pled guilty to three felony charges, including a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Angelina Jimenez pled guilty to three misdemeanor charges.
The punishment: Refugio Jimenez Jr. faces a year in jail, 200 hours of community service, and two years of felony probation, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office on Friday. Angelina Jimenez will face 400 hours of community service and one year of probation. The couple was also ordered to pay over $1.7 million in damages.
The damage: The El Dorado fire killed one firefighter and burned more than 22,000 acres in Riverside and San Bernardino counties over two months.
Trending on LAist
-
The state has a program for self-employed workers and small business owners, but workers don’t always know to opt in. -
The City Council adopted reports that outline where the cameras will be installed. -
L.A. Homeless Services Authority executives were far behind in turning in required documents for a crucial oversight check, per the lead auditor. -
Dennis Block submitted a filing in eviction court that a judge called “fabricated.” He’s now facing potential discipline from the California State Bar. -
UFW hasn’t received direct information about the allegations, but it’s serious enough to the organization to pull back from Chávez, who co-founded the union. -
From the Central Coast to San Diego, millions of Californians are under heat advisories and warnings this week. Here's what you need to know.
Best of LAist
