Fireworks held responsible for destructive wildfire in Southern California that demolished homes

Some victims of a rapidly spreading wildfire in Riverside, which destroyed six homes and damaged seven others, are questioning the fire department’s response time. However, city officials attribute the cause of the devastating blaze to fireworks.

The “Hawarden Fire” ignited around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday in the 6500 block of Hawarden Drive, quickly expanding to over 500 acres. About 1,500 residents had to evacuate as the fire consumed trees and homes.

By late Monday afternoon, Riverside Fire Department crews had fully contained the blaze. But for Angelena Piri, who is three months pregnant, and her husband Noel, the containment came too late as their recently acquired home was completely destroyed.

While devastated by their loss, the Piris are also frustrated, believing the damage could have been prevented. Angelena recounted that they began calling the fire department at 3:39 p.m., yet it took an hour and a half for the fire crews to arrive.

Cpt. Paul Seawright of the Riverside Fire Department explained that resources were limited and the fire’s erratic behavior necessitated additional assistance. Nearby agencies were also dealing with the “Eagle Fire” in Corona, less than 20 miles away. He noted the dispatch center was overwhelmed with calls but affirmed that everyone involved did their best to protect structures.

During a Monday evening press conference, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson confirmed the number of structures affected and mentioned surveillance footage showing suspects believed to have started the fire with fireworks. The Piris had previously created a defensible space around their home and reported the nearby dry, overgrown brush as a fire hazard to the city.

KTLA is awaiting a response from city officials regarding whether the brush was under city jurisdiction.