Three teenage girls were arrested in California after police said a lit firecracker was thrown through a home window and sparked a fire that destroyed a baby nursery just days before the child’s due date.
The incident happened in Citrus Heights, a city in the Sacramento area. According to police, the fire broke out after juveniles allegedly threw a firework into a bedroom window following a dispute involving another young person connected to the home.
The room that caught fire had been prepared as a nursery for an unborn baby. Much of the baby furniture, clothing, bedding, and other supplies were destroyed or contaminated by smoke and fire damage.
The mother-to-be was not home at the time, but she reportedly learned something was wrong after receiving a security camera alert. A neighbor saw smoke coming from the home and tried to get attention through the camera.
The father-to-be was inside the home when the fire started. He reportedly used a hose from outside the house to fight the flames through the window until firefighters arrived.
Security camera footage later showed juveniles lighting a firework and throwing it into the home, according to reports. The family said the suspects were known to them and that there had been past conflict involving bullying.
Citrus Heights police later arrested three juveniles in connection with the fire. Authorities said the girls are facing serious felony-related allegations, including aggravated arson, arson, burglary, and conspiracy.
Because the suspects are minors, their names have not been released.
The family said the damage has forced them to replace nearly everything they had prepared for the baby. Items that were not directly burned may still be unsafe for a newborn because of smoke contamination.
After the incident gained attention online, community members began offering support to the family. A fundraiser was also launched to help replace the nursery items and assist the parents before the baby’s arrival.
The case remains under investigation, and the charges will move through the juvenile justice system.
