Laguna Beach fire: Suspected cause of Rancho Fire released as teen arrested
A brush fire sparked in Laguna Beach on the afternoon of Monday, July 7.
Firefighters quickly stopped the forward progress of the fire.
Officials said they believe fireworks were the cause. They later announced a teen was arrested in connection with the fire.
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. - Authorities announced on Tuesday that a 13-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a fire that broke out on Monday afternoon in Laguna Beach, prompting evacuations.
Suspect taken into custody
City officials said as the fire spread, witnesses told authorities they saw a teen in the area who may have been setting off fireworks. Two teens were detained for questioning. However, officials later determined they were witnesses.
Later in the investigation, Laguna Beach officers obtained video footage that showed another teen lighting a firework before he left the scene.
Detectives located the teen suspect who was taken into custody for felony reckless burning of forest land.
However, since no injuries were reported and there was no immediate threat to structures, Orange County Juvenile Hall would not accept the suspect for booking.
The case will be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
What we know
The Rancho Fire erupted around 2:10 p.m., near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive.
By 5 p.m., city officials said crews successfully stopped the forward progress of the fire after having burned four acres. While providing an update to the community, Mayor Alex Rounaghi said the fire is believed to have been started by fireworks.
Fire officials said emergency crews acted quickly and made good progress controlling the flames.
By Tuesday, the fire reached 4.6 acres and was 95% contained.
Evacuation orders were issued for residents on Summit Drive, La Mirada Street, Baja Street, and Katella Street. The Arch Beach Heights neighborhood was also under an evacuation warning.
An evacuation center was established at the Susi Q Center at 380 Third St.
Around 7:30 p.m., all evacuation orders were lifted and residents were allowed to return home.
SUGGESTED:6 months later: Eaton Fire victims continue to face challenges
The Source
Information for this story came from the City of Laguna Beach.
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