A 13-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly lighting the fireworks that started the Rancho Fire in Laguna Beach.
The fire, which forced evacuations and grew to about 4 acres before firefighters gained control, had been linked by several witnesses to reports of fireworks in the minutes before smoke became visible near Morningside Drive and Rancho Laguna Road.
“As flames spread along the Rancho Laguna hillside, multiple witnesses reported seeing a juvenile in the area possibly involved in setting off fireworks,” the Laguna Beach Police Department said in a news release.
The boy, whose identity has not been released, was arrested Monday after two other youths were questioned by officers and “determined to be witnesses, not suspects.”
“After hours of investigative work, detectives identified the juvenile responsible and obtained search warrants for his arrest and the seizure of electronic devices,” police said, adding that they also obtained video of the 13-year-old detonating the fireworks.
“This case is a perfect example of what makes Laguna Beach unique—an engaged community that works hand in hand with its police department,” Chief Jeff Calvert said in the release. “When our residents speak up, we’re able to respond quickly and effectively. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and this outcome reflects that.”
The boy faces a possible charge of felony charge of reckless burning of forest land, though “due to the absence of any injuries or immediate threat to structures, Orange County Juvenile Hall would not accept the suspect for booking.”
He was processed at the Laguna Beach Police Department and released to his parents, officials added.
The case has been submitted to the O.C. District Attorney’s Office for the filing of possible charges.
Anyone with more information is asked to call 949-715-0984.
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