2 South OC Fires Likely 'Set Intentionally' : OCFA

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — The hills of South Orange County have gone golden with the arrival of summer. Those crisp conditions make them ripe for fire, something all residents need to be aware of, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Greg Barta.

On Tuesday, shortly after 4:45 p.m., numerous 911 callers reported smoke in the area of Calle Arroyo in San Juan Capistrano, he said. There, just about a quarter-acre burned in a fire that was intentionally set.

Barta said a second fire erupted about an hour later, this time in the area of Valle Road. This time, firefighters managed to hold that blaze to under a quarter acre.

"Our firefighters did a tremendous job quickly halting the forward progress of both fires, limiting them to 0.25 acres and 0.15 acres respectively," Barta said.

Investigators are working both fire scenes to determine who set the wildfires and how they were ignited.

"We are heading into the 4th of July holiday and the thick of summer, with forecasted warm temperatures," Barta told Patch. "Any spark can cause a brush fire."

Multiple people reported seeing smoke, which was good news for everyone in the area, he said. "We remind everyone to stay vigilant and help prevent fires. Your cooperation is crucial in keeping our community safe."