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The 13-year-old was arrested in connection with a brush fire that burned near a hillside home Monday afternoon and led to evacuation in the Orange County community in Laguna Beach.
The Rancho Fire, which authorities said likely started with fireworks, was reported near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive. The flames burned uphill with heavy brushes towards the house as firefighters and crews worked to protect the neighborhood.
Witnesses reported seeing the boy in an area where he was probably causing fireworks, Laguna Beach police said. Officers later obtained a video showing someone lit up the fireworks and leaving the scene where the Rancho fire was reported.
Detectives identified the 13-year-old suspect and obtained a search warrant for arrest and seizure of electronic devices. He was taken into custody on suspicion of reckless burning forests on a felony.
The boy was edited at a police station before being released by his parents. Police said in a statement that they were not injured or were not accepted at Orange County Juvenile Hall due to immediate threats to the building.
The Orange County District Attorney will consider accusations against the teen.
“This case is a perfect example of what makes Laguna Beach unique: it’s an enthusiastic community working in partnership with the police department,” Chief Jeff Calvert said. “When our residents speak out, we can respond quickly and effectively. Public safety is a common responsibility, and this outcome reflects that.”
The progress of the Rancho Fire’s fire progressed stopped on four acres. Firefighters protected local hillside homes with fire aircraft that produced drops of water and fire extinguishing agent.
Residents who had been evacuated had since returned to their homes.
“I was working, I was working remotely from home and I’ve heard all the sirens. That’s my home,” said Mary Lou Mooney, the moment she noticed there was a fire nearby. “And then, after seeing all the police cars, I set them on fire, I started asking my neighbors, “What did you hear?” ”
For active fires, the following areas need to be evacuated: Lamirada Street, Caterrace Street, Summit Drive, Baha Street. Fires at the scene with the police.
Care and reception at the Community and Susie Q Centre (380 3rd Street).
– Laguna Beach City (@lagunabeachgov) July 7, 2025
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the flames, but believe the fireworks could be the culprit.
“The fire was suspected of being caused by fireworks, but there is no further information at this time,” Mayor Alex Lunagi said in an update Monday.
“To hear when you know an individual, whether it’s a child or an adult, whether it’s intentional or intentional, it’s really frustrating,” said Damita Zwayback, who lives in the area.
As California enters a few hot and dry summer months, wildfires were one of a few burning. Over 182,000 acres have been burned so far this year. Last year, at this point, Cal Fire reported 3,300 fires that burned 76,000 acres.
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