Crime & Safety
Weekend Capistrano Brush Fire Deemed 'Suspicious'
Investigators think humans set the fires that burned 7.5 acres of San Juan Capistrano Saturday.
Fire investigators suspect that the San Juan Capistrano fire Saturday and two more nearby in Laguna Niguel were set by people, authorities said Tuesday.
A 10:50 a.m. fire broke out between in the Northwest Open Space, burning 7.5 acres, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said. The fire started in an orchard near the Rancho Capistrano campus of Saddleback Church, formerly a spiritual retreat for the Crystal Cathedral ministry.
See photos of this brushfire above.
As firefighters cleared that fire, two smaller fires broke out along Old Ranch Road near Jencourt in Laguna Niguel, Concialdi said. That's about two miles southwest of the morning fire.
About 75 firefighters responded to the morning fire, while another 30 responded to the evening fires, he said.
A red flag warning was issued that day, signaling dangerous fire conditions.
Investigators believe each brush fire was caused by human activity, as other possible causes were ruled out, Concialdi said.
Fire officials ask anyone in the area who saw anything suspicious Saturday to contact the OCFA tip line: 714-573-6700.
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