Crime & Safety

Fireworks Caused Los Alisos Brushfire July 4

Fire investigators found "numerous" fireworks near Via Noveno and Los Alisos believed to have started the blaze.

A small brushfire that burned July 4 around 1:30 p.m. was likely caused by fireworks, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Marc Stone said.

Stone said the fire burned a tenth of an acre near the Mojave Lane/Demasia intersection off Los Alisos. It was quickly put out, he said, and no structures were burned during the fire.

"Numerous safe-and-sane fireworks and a lighter were found" at the scene of the fire, he said.

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Firefighters were aided by a mild, cool Fourth of July with "a lot of fog," Stone said.

He said the burned area has lots of trees and Mexican fan palms, giving it enough fuel to burn but not enough to burn at a high heat.

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"A fire will get going in that area, he said, "but it’s not going to burn with intensity."

Fireworks of all kinds are illegal in Mission Viejo, even the so-called "safe and sane" fireworks available for sale at many California fireworks stands.

Stone said the fire didn't amount to a major loss of property, so if the culprit was found they would probably not face a serious penalty.


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