With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Teenager arrested on suspicion of starting Laguna Beach fire with fireworks
The Rancho Fire burned a few acres near homes in Laguna Beach on Monday.
(
Cal Fire
)
Topline:
Laguna Beach police arrested a 13-year-old Tuesday on suspicion of starting the fire that burned a few acres of hillside near homes and led to evacuations Monday. Officials said in a news release that police used video "clearly showing a juvenile suspect lighting a firework and fleeing the scene" to identify the teen.
The case: The teenager was released to his parents, the news release said. The case was turned over to the Orange County district attorney's office for possible filing of criminal charges.
The fire: The Rancho Fire started a little after 2 p.m. Monday in the hills near Bluebird Canyon. It burned about four acres, and evacuations were ordered for several streets. Five helicopters and an airplane were employed in the firefight, and several roads were closed in the afternoon and evening Monday. All evacuations were lifted by Tuesday morning. A fire in Laguna Beach in the 1990s burned hundreds of homes.
Sponsored message
Fireworks danger: Southern California fire officials reported massive increases in calls on the Fourth of July this year. For example, the Orange County Fire Authority told LAist it received 51 calls on July Fourth — though it couldn't say how many were related to fireworks. A typical day for the department sees about seven calls.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
