Belmont Teen Sparks Blaze While Playing With Fireworks: Police

BELMONT, CA — "Quick action" by local firefighters is being credited with the fast containment of a fire in Belmont on Friday. The fire, which burned in the hills above Carlmont High School, was contained to an acre in size after breaking out around 10:50 a.m., according to Belmont Police Capt. Patrick Halleran.

The cause? A juvenile playing with fireworks, Halleran says.

Belmont police and fire units responded to the scene along with units from San Mateo Fire and Cal Fire, according to Halleran.

"Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire on the hill between Carlmont High and homes on Hastings Drive," he said in a news release.

The crews pulled an estimated 700 feet of hose down the hill to aggressively attack the fire, which was under control "quickly." They remained at the location for about three hours to make sure all hot spots were completely extinguished, Halleran said.

While at the scene, officials found expended fireworks, according to Halleran. It didn't take long for police to find out who set them off.

"Shortly before 3:30 p.m., Belmont PD investigators interviewed a 14-year-old Belmont boy, who admitted starting the fire accidentally, while setting off fireworks," Halleran said. "Investigators collected fireworks from the boy and are in contact with his parents. No decision on charges has been made at this time, and the boy's name is not being released due to his age."

"The Belmont Fire and Police Departments would like to remind the community that not only it is illegal to discharge any fireworks in Belmont, it is extremely dangerous," he added.

Images courtesy: Belmont Police