Laguna Beach, CA – On Monday, July 7, 2025, at approximately 2:06 p.m., Laguna Beach Police and Fire personnel responded to a vegetation fire near Morningside Drive and Rancho Laguna Road. Preliminary reports indicated the fire may have been ignited by illegal fireworks.
As flames spread along the Rancho Laguna hillside, multiple witnesses reported seeing a juvenile in the area possibly involved in setting off fireworks. Laguna Beach Police Rangers quickly located and detained two juveniles for questioning. After further investigation, the juveniles were determined to be witnesses, not suspects. Officers later obtained video evidence clearly showing a juvenile suspect lighting a firework and fleeing the scene.
Laguna Beach Police detectives, working in partnership with investigators from the Laguna Beach Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Authority, continued their investigation into the fire’s origin. After hours of investigative work, detectives identified the juvenile responsible and obtained search warrants for his arrest and the seizure of electronic devices.
Detectives subsequently took a 13-year-old male into custody for felony reckless burning of forest land (California Penal Code § 452(c)). Due to the absence of any injuries or immediate threat to structures, Orange County Juvenile Hall would not accept the suspect for booking. He was processed at the Laguna Beach Police Department and released to the custody of his parents. The case will be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing of criminal charges.
The Laguna Beach Police Department and Chief Jeff Calvert thank the community for their cooperation and vigilance. Chief Calvert stated, “This case is a perfect example of what makes Laguna Beach unique—an engaged community that works hand in hand with its police department. When our residents speak up, we’re able to respond quickly and effectively. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and this outcome reflects that.”
Anyone with additional information or video footage related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Laguna Bech Police Department Detective Bureau at 949-715-0984.
Under California Penal Code § 452(c), the juvenile in the Laguna Beach fire incident is accused of felony reckless burning of forest land. Here’s what that means in terms of potential penalties:
Legal Penalties for Adults (PC § 452(c))
For adults, this offense is punishable by:
- State prison for 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, or
- County jail for up to 6 months, or
- A fine, or
- Both imprisonment and a fine.
Juvenile Penalties
Since the suspect is 13 years old, the case falls under juvenile court jurisdiction, which focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment. Possible outcomes include:
- Probation with conditions (e.g., community service, counseling, curfew).
- Restitution to cover firefighting costs or property damage.
- Diversion programs (if eligible), which may allow charges to be dismissed upon completion.
- Juvenile detention (rare for first-time, non-violent offenses, especially when no injuries or structural damage occurred).
- Court-ordered education on fire safety or related topics.
Because no injuries or structural threats occurred, and the juvenile was released to his parents, it’s likely the court will consider non-custodial, rehabilitative measures. However, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether to file formal charges and what penalties to pursue.
