Fire Blamed on Youths Playing With Matches
Abrush fire that burned 500 acres and briefly threatened homes in the remote community of Green Valley last week was accidentally started by children playing with matches, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The fire started about 11:15 a.m. Friday near San Francisquito Canyon and Spunky Canyon roads in rugged territory between Santa Clarita and Lancaster. It came within 150 yards of houses, but favorable winds and the efforts of 450 firefighters kept the flames from getting closer.
Investigators found a book of matches at the fire’s origin, Forest Service spokeswoman Kim Brower said. An investigation revealed that children started the fire while playing with the matches, she said.
A firefighter suffered a broken leg while combatting the flames, but no other injuries were reported. The fire was contained Friday night, Los Angeles County Fire Capt. James Jeffries said.
Brower said she did not know the ages of the children or whether they would be charged in connection with the fire.
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