RivCo Brush Fire Possibly Ignited By Fireworks, Knocked Down Overnight

RIVERSIDE, CA — Firefighters in Riverside knocked down a quarter-acre brush fire in the rear of Sycamore Highlands Park, which may have been ignited by four boys of high school age lighting fireworks, authorities said Sunday.

The brush fire in the area of 5777 Fair Isle Drive was reported at 9:12 p.m. Saturday and firefighters had the fire under control at midnight, according to Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Bruce Vanderhorst.

"Several witnesses in the park reported four males of high school age in the park lighting off fireworks into the canyon from Sycamore HighlandsPark,'' Vanderhorst said. "Witnesses provided a possible description of the vehicle of the potential suspects.''

A battalion chief approached the area where the vehicle was parked, but the driver sped off with the vehicle's lights turned off. Information was subsequently relayed to the Riverside Police Department.

"The arson investigator arrived on scene and took the witness information,'' according to a news statement. "The witnesses showed the area where the fireworks were launched from, but there were no remnants of any devices.''

No injuries were reported.

— City News Service