Wildfire in Laguna Beach leads to arrest
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in California after authorities linked him to a wildfire allegedly caused by illegal fireworks.
According to The New York Times, the Laguna Beach Police Department said the Rancho fire began just after 2 p.m. on Monday and burned nearly five acres of land.
Officials issued evacuation orders for several streets and opened community centres to support displaced residents.
By 5 p.m., the mayor had posted a video online indicating that fireworks were believed to be the cause.
The teenager has been arrested on suspicion of felony reckless burning of forest land.
Two juveniles initially detained as witnesses
The police explained that two juveniles were originally detained after witnesses reported seeing young people setting off fireworks in the area.
According to the police statement, the two individuals were questioned and later released after being identified as witnesses only.
Investigators then secured video footage showing a separate juvenile lighting a firework and fleeing.
This led to the identification and arrest of the 13-year-old suspect.
The police said the boy was processed at headquarters and released to his parents.
Emergency response involved aircraft and drones
Laguna Beach Fire Chief Niko King said the response included about 200 firefighters, as well as aircraft and drone teams.
King stated that two fixed-wing planes, five helicopters and drones were deployed during the firefighting efforts.
Infrared scans were used to monitor fire movement and support containment work.
No injuries were reported and no homes were damaged, according to the city’s update.
Criminal case referred to district attorney
The police confirmed that the case will be submitted to the Orange County district attorney’s office.
They said the district attorney will review the evidence and decide whether to file charges.
A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said California welfare law restricts public comment on the case.
The teenager has not been publicly named due to his age.
Cause suspected early in fire response
The mayor indicated early suspicions of fireworks being involved in the fire’s cause.
This was shared in a video message posted on Facebook just hours after the fire began.
The police confirmed that witness reports supported this suspicion.
The identification of the suspect came after the review of video evidence.
California boy arrested after wildfire caused by illegal fireworks: Summary
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in California.
The boy is accused of starting a wildfire in Laguna Beach.
The fire was caused by illegal fireworks, according to police.
The Rancho fire began on Monday at 2 p.m.
It spread to 4.6 acres and prompted evacuations.
Two juveniles were detained but later released as witnesses.
Video evidence showed a separate juvenile lighting fireworks.
Police obtained a warrant and arrested the 13-year-old.
He was processed and released to his parents.
No injuries or structural damage were reported.
About 200 firefighters responded to the incident.
Aircraft and drones were deployed for containment.
The case has been referred to the district attorney.
Welfare law restricts further comment on the case.
The boy’s name has not been released due to his age.