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Fireworks Blamed for Southern California Wildfire; Suspects Sought
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Plumes of smoke rise as wildfire approaches a home during the Fairview fire near Hemet, California, in Riverside County on Sept. 7, 2022. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP)
By Summer Lane
7/24/2024Updated: 7/25/2024

Illegal fireworks are to blame for sparking a wildfire in Riverside County that destroyed several homes and caused millions of dollars in damage, arson task force officials in Southern California determined this week.

The fire in Riverside County—about one hour east of Los Angeles—began July 21. According to the city of Riverside’s latest update Monday evening, it has burned 527 acres.

The fire was fully contained within an established perimeter July 22, according to Riverside city officials. Evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday morning and, later that evening, mutual aid fire departments were released back to their respective agencies, officials said.

Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson confirmed during a press conference July 22 that at least six homes had been destroyed and seven others damaged by what has been named the Hawarden fire.

She said the Riverside arson task force determined the blaze was started by illegal fireworks.

“Camera footage has shown suspects fleeing the area, and we also have a vehicle of interest that’s being reviewed by investigators,” Ms. Dawson said.

She said the blaze was a reminder of “why fireworks are illegal in our community,” adding that dry brush, varied terrain, and recent high temperatures are “ideal for such disasters.”

Ms. Dawson said that in the 24 hours following the initial outbreak of the fire, response costs and damages have totaled over $11 million.

All fireworks are illegal in Riverside County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Authorities said those who spark fires by using them will be held responsible for suppression costs.

“And the losses are not just financial—families have lost their homes, cherished memories, and personal belongings,” Ms. Dawson said.

She also said the damage extended beyond properties and impacted the mental and emotional well-being of affected residents and the broader Riverside community.

“We will take every measure to prevent such incidents in the future,” Ms. Dawson said.

She said investigators would pursue the suspects involved in starting the fire and promised to prosecute them to the full extent of the law. She said Riverside County had “zero tolerance for actions that put our communities at risk and in danger.”

She encouraged anyone with information on the suspects to report it to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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Summer Lane is the bestselling author of 30 adventure books, including the hit "Collapse Series." She is a reporter and writer with years of experience in journalism and political analysis. Summer is a wife and mother and lives in the Central Valley of California.

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