A 13-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a brush fire that burned Monday afternoon near hillside homes and led to evacuations in the Orange County community of Laguna Beach.
The Rancho Fire, which authorities said likely was started by fireworks, was reported near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive. Flames burned uphill in heavy brush toward houses as firefighters and crews in water-dropping aircraft worked to protect the neighborhood.
Witness reported seeing a juvenile in the area who was possibly setting off fireworks, Laguna Beach police said. Officers later obtained video that showed someone lighting a firework and leaving the scene where the Rancho Fire was reported.
Detectives identified a 13-year-old suspect an obtained search warrants for his arrest and the seizure of electronic devices. He was taken into custody on suspicion of felony reckless burning of forest land.
The boy was released to his parents after being processed at the police department. Police said in a statement that he was not accepted at Orange County Juvenile Hall due to absence of injuries or immediate threat to buildings.
The Orange County District Attorney will consider charges against the teen.
“This case is a perfect example of what makes Laguna Beach unique — an engaged community that works hand in hand with its police department,” said Chief Jeff Calvert. “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 Rancho Fire’s forward progress of the fire stopped at 4 acres. Firefighters protected hillside homes in the area with firefighting aircraft making water and fire retardant drops.
Residents who were under evacuation orders have since returned to their homes.
“I was working. I work remotely from home and I heard all the sirens; that’s my house there,” said Mary Lou Mooney of the moment she realized there was a fire nearby. “And saw all the police cars, fire and then started to ask neighbors, ‘What did you hear?'”
The following areas need to evacuate due to an active fire: La Mirada Street, Katella Street, Summit Drive, and Baja Street. Police and Fire on scene.
Care and Reception at the Community and Susi Q Center (380 3rd Street).
— City of Laguna Beach (@lagunabeachgov) July 7, 2025
Investigators are still working to confirm the cause of the blaze, but they believe fireworks may be the culprit.
“This fire was suspected to be caused by fireworks, but we don’t have any further information beyond that at this time,” Mayor Alex Rounaghi said in an update on Monday.
“To hear when you know individuals, whether it was children or adults, do those things — it’s really frustrating, whether it was intentional or unintentional,” said Damita Zweiback, who lives in the area.
The wildfire was one of several burning as California enters the hot and dry summer months. Nearly 4,000 wildfires have burned more than 182,000 acres so far this year. Last year at this time, Cal Fire reported 3,300 fires that burned 76,000 acres.