Teens Arrested For Lighting A Brush Fire With Fireworks

Five 13-year-old boys were arrested over the weekend on suspicion of sparking a brush fire by setting off fireworks in a South San Francisco park on Friday afternoon.

In a similar incident in Belmont a few weeks ago, were responsible for a small fire in the Belmont hills. Firefighters extinguished the fire, which burned approx 10 feet of landscaping. Possession of fireworks is prohibited by the Belmont City Code and firecrackers are also specifically prohibited by state law.

In the South San Franicisco incident, the boys apparently ignited several illegal fireworks in Sign Hill Park at about 4:40 p.m., South San Francisco police Sgt. Bruce McPhillips said.

The fireworks started a fire in a south-facing portion of the park, and all of the boys fled without reporting the incident, he said.

The fire was reported by a bystander, and firefighters responded and quickly contained the flames before they spread out of control, McPhillips said.

Investigators identified one of the boys, who told police the names of the others who were involved, McPhillips said.

Four of them are South San Francisco residents, and one lives in San Francisco.

All five were cited for conspiracy and burning property, and were released to their parents.

-- Bay City News

Last weekend Belmont Patch posted an article asking readers whether or not they believe fireworks should be banned? Many commented to share their thoughts, and nearly 800 local residents voted.

In light of the recent arrests, has your opinion on the matter shifted? Click here to join the conversation.