Fireworks May Be Cause as Fire Damages Condo
A condominium unit in Newport Beach was heavily damaged Sunday afternoon when a brush fire that may have been caused by illegal fireworks spread to the building.
The fire broke out about 2 p.m. at Landfall Court near Columbia Street.
About 20 firefighters contained the fire in about an hour and prevented it from spreading to other units, which are in separate buildings in the small complex.
Damage to the unit and its contents was estimated at $50,000.
Newport Beach fire dispatcher Jeff Hoy said the fire burned about one-quarter of an acre, then spread to the condominium unit.
The fire spread first to a balcony, then into the walls through an air vent. Most of the damage was to the walls, Hoy said.
The unit was empty at the time and no one, including any firefighters, was injured.
Fireworks Suspected
“The fire was of suspicious origin, but we believe it may have been from illegal fireworks,” Hoy said.
He said the Newport Beach Police Department is seeking help if anyone knows anything about it.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
