13-year-old arrested in connection to Rancho fire in California

Laguna Beach, California – A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a brush fire that broke out Monday afternoon in a hillside neighborhood of Laguna Beach, prompting evacuations and air support as firefighters worked to stop the flames from reaching nearby homes.

The Rancho Fire, which began near Rancho Laguna Road and Morningside Drive, burned four acres of dense brush before firefighters halted its forward progress around 5 p.m. Although no structures were damaged and no injuries reported, the blaze came dangerously close to homes and underscored the growing risks posed by fireworks as California enters peak wildfire season.

Witnesses in the area told authorities they heard and saw fireworks in the minutes before smoke began to rise from the hillside. According to a news release from the Laguna Beach Police Department, several residents reported seeing a young individual in the area shortly before the fire began. Two youths were detained for questioning, but only one — a 13-year-old — was identified as a suspect.

After hours of investigation, including the review of video footage allegedly showing the boy detonating fireworks, detectives arrested the juvenile. Officers also executed search warrants to seize electronic devices as part of the ongoing investigation. The boy was processed at the Laguna Beach Police Department and released to the custody of his parents. Due to the absence of injuries or immediate structural threat, he was not held at Orange County Juvenile Hall.

The case has been submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review. The teen may face a felony charge of reckless burning of forest land.

The fire, which drew a large emergency response including firefighting aircraft making water and retardant drops, triggered temporary evacuations in the neighborhood. Those orders were lifted once firefighters gained control of the blaze, but the community remained shaken by the close call.

“I was working from home and suddenly heard all the sirens,” said Mary Lou Mooney, a resident who lives near the fire’s origin. “Then I saw the police cars, the fire trucks—it all happened so fast.”

Mayor Alex Rounaghi confirmed Monday that the fire was believed to be fireworks-related but emphasized that the investigation was still developing at that time.

The Rancho Fire is part of a troubling trend. More than 4,000 wildfires have already scorched over 182,000 acres across California in 2025, nearly doubling last year’s burn rate at this time. As summer temperatures climb, fire officials are warning of increased fire activity, especially when flammable conditions are paired with human-caused ignitions.

Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert credited the swift resolution of the case to community involvement. “This is what makes Laguna Beach unique,” he said. “When our residents speak up, we’re able to act quickly and protect our community.”