The 175-acre Aliso Fire was started accidentally by a boy, Orange County Fire Authority officials said on Saturday, June 9.

Fire Captain Steve Concialdi said he could not release details about the youngster, including his age, or how the fire began.

“Because it’s a juvenile, we have to be extremely careful,” he said. “A juvenile has a lot of (legal) protection.”

Investigators used videos and photos from the area and spoke to witnesses, and, he said, “The juvenile came forward and admitted to what he did.”

The blaze, reported shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 in the Wood Canyon area near Soka University, raced through the canyon between Aliso Viejo and Laguna Beach.

Officials issued evacuation orders, including for 1,500 homes in Laguna Beach, as the fire threatened houses in the city’s Top of the World neighborhood and structures across the canyon at the university.

Ultimately, no homes or buildings were damaged.

Five injuries were reported, including a firefighter who suffered a minor leg injury, Concialdi said.

The blaze was fully contained by Thursday night, he said.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park reopens today, but Nature Loop, Dripping Cave and Coyote Run south of Rock-It trails are still closed.

Orange County Parks rangers and the OCFA will continue to patrol the area.

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“The public’s still going to see dust and ash in the area when the wind picks up,” Concialdi said. “That’s normal after any fire.”

OC Parks, on its website, asked people to be patient.

“Please respect closure notices,” it said. “Some areas are still unsafe for visitors. Additionally, premature access could increase erosion, damage recovering plants, and further traumatize displaced animals.”

See also:

Crews battle 200-acre brush fire in Wood Canyon; evacuations ordered in Laguna Beach; Aliso Viejo evacuation order canceled

All Laguna Beach evacuation orders canceled with Aliso Fire at 40 percent containment