Victims of Southern California wildfire question response time of fire crews

4 months ago 3

While some victims of a fast-moving wildfire in the City of Riverside that destroyed six homes and damaged seven others are asking questions about the fire department’s response time, city officials say the devastating blaze was caused by fireworks.

The “Hawarden Fire" started around 1:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Hawarden Drive in Riverside Sunday and quickly spread to just over 500 acres.

An estimated 1,500 people were forced to evacuate their homes as the intense flames ignited trees and residences.

By late afternoon Monday, crews with the Riverside Fire Department had the blaze fully contained.

For Angelena Piri, who is three months pregnant, and her husband, Noel, the containment came too late. The recently married couple’s home was completely gutted by the fire.

While the Piris are heartbroken and in shock at the loss of their home, they’re also frustrated because they believe the damage to their home was preventable.

“We immediately started calling the fire department,” Angelena told KTLA. “They were like, ‘Yes, we’re dispatching them right now.’”

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