13-year-old suspected of setting off fireworks that sparked Southern California wildfire

Source: Associated Press

13-year-old suspected of setting off fireworks that sparked Southern California wildfire

Updated 12:52 PM EDT, July 9, 2025

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (AP) — 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.

“Officers later obtained video evidence clearly showing a juvenile suspect lighting a firework and fleeing the scene,” the statement said.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-laguna-beach-arrest-61aca12d041a88e54aff45dcf40f5c10