13-year-old suspected of setting off fireworks that sparked California wildfire
LAGUNA BEACH — A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of setting off fireworks that sparked a wildfire this week in coastal Southern California, forcing the evacuations of about a hundred canyon homes, authorities said.
Crews with air support protected residences from the Rancho Fire as flames raced through dry brush Monday afternoon in Laguna Beach. It was held to 4 acres (1.6 hectares) with no damage to structures.
Police initially detained two juveniles who they later determined were witnesses, not suspects, the city said in a statement Tuesday.
A firework remnant sits on the ground as firefighters battle the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)
A small fire breaks out on the brush as firefighters battle the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)
Firefighters scrambles to keep the Madre Fire from crossing a dozer line as it makes a run along Highway 166 on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Smoke fills the sky as firefighters battle the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)
Fire retardant is dropped as firefighters battle the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)
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A firework remnant sits on the ground as firefighters battle the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach, Calif., on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)
“Officers later obtained video evidence clearly showing a juvenile suspect lighting a firework and fleeing the scene,” the statement said.
The 13-year-old was taken into custody a short time later and could face charges including felony reckless burning of forest land, officials said. The teen was released to his parents.
The Laguna Beach blaze was one of dozens of wildfires burning this week in the state. The risk of fire was especially high Wednesday as temperatures spiked and humidity dropped across inland Southern California.
The Madre Fire became California’s largest blaze so far this year, ripping through grasslands after breaking out July 2 in southeastern San Luis Obispo County. By Wednesday, it covered more than 125 square miles (323 square kilometers). It was more than 60% contained.
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