Anaheim : Police Say Fireworks Caused Apartment Fire

Further investigation has pinpointed illegal fireworks as the cause of the $2.2-million apartment fire last Thursday in Anaheim, and police and fire officials are seeking several teen-age suspects in the case.

About 200 residents of Casa de Valencia apartments, 2633 E. La Palma Ave., were displaced after the fire gutted 40 units. Anaheim fire officials said a flaming rocket--believed to have been an illegal bottle type--landed on a wood shingle roof, starting a blaze that swept quickly through the complex.

“It was definitely . . . illegal fireworks . . . that caused the fire,” said Anaheim Fire Investigator Mike Feeney. He added that although firefighters did not find the burnt-out rocket, further investigation leaves no doubt that illegal fireworks sparked the blaze.

Feeney said that the department is seeking “several juveniles or young adults” who were seen shooting off fireworks near the apartment complex about 2:30 a.m. Thursday. He said the exact number of young people involved was not immediately known.

Tenants said several youths were shooting fireworks near the complex in the early morning hours Thursday, shortly before the 3 a.m. fire began.

Feeney said that 94 apartments were directly affected by the fire but that all 156 units in the complex have been vacated because damage has disrupted water, electric and telephone service.