Couple Pleads Guilty in Gender-Reveal Party Wildfire Case, Ordered to Pay Restitution

The 2020 El Dorado Fire, ignited by a gender-reveal party, led to legal consequences for the couple involved and highlighted the dangers of such events amid California's wildfire crisis.

Refugio Jimenez Jr. and Angelina Jimenez pleaded guilty to charges related to the El Dorado Fire, sparked by a gender-reveal party in 2020, resulting in a firefighter's death and significant property damage.
Refugio Jimenez Jr. received a one-year jail sentence, while Angelina Jimenez was sentenced to summary probation and community service.
The couple was also ordered to pay $1,789,972 in restitution to the victims.
The fire, which burned nearly 23,000 acres, was one of many during a record-breaking wildfire season in California.
The U.S. Forest Service has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of the pyrotechnic device used in the gender-reveal party.

Voice of America (VOA News)

Los Angeles Times

Associated Press