Firefighters said children playing with fire started a blaze that tore through 22 acres of land Thursday and resulted in the evacuation of a recreation center and nearby homes.
Authorities said witnesses saw two teenage boys playing with matches near where the fire started, but they have not taken anyone into custody. The boys could be criminally prosecuted if they do not come forward, officials said.
The blaze, which broke out at about 11:45 a.m. south of state Route 56 and west of Black Mountain Road in Rancho Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve, was visible for miles. About 120 fire personnel were sent to the scene, and San Diego's Copter One made multiple water drops after reloading on a nearby field with the aid of a fire hose.
The fire was still burning at 1 p.m., but firefighters had extinguished it by 5 p.m., NBC 7/39 reported.
"We have hand crews walking through the area to make sure the fire doesn't spark up again," said Maurice Luque, of the San Diego Fire Department. "We'll have crews here overnight."
Several residents on Ragweed Street packed their belongings and left their homes, NBC 7/39 reported. Classes at nearby Park Village Elementary School were not in session, although some children were at the school for extended summer day care.
When the fire began, the children were on a field trip, according to officials, and they had time to go back to school, grab their lunches and go ahead with their normal swim day at West View High School.
Previous Stories:
- July 6, 2006: Crews Gain On Peñasquitos Canyon Blaze
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