Gilroy Ballybunion Fire Caused By Fireworks; Arrests Made: Police

GILROY, CA — The cause of the 100-acre Ballybunion — or Bally — Fire that broke out Sunday in Gilroy has been determined to be the use of illegal fireworks, Gilroy police confirmed Thursday evening. According to police, four teen boys ages 14 and 15 were seen playing with illegal fireworks described as "firecrackers" Sunday on a hillside near the 1900 block of Ballybunion Court, and as they ignited the fireworks, a fire started on the hillside.

"Their ensuing efforts to extinguish the fire were unsuccessful and it soon spread out of control," police said.

The juveniles were later contacted by Gilroy police officers and after being interviewed, were issued a "juvenile contact report" for California Penal Code 452 (c), police said.

Under California law, the names of minors suspected of the crime are typically not revealed. According to Leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, 452 (c) is defined as:

Unlawfully causing a fire of a structure or forest land is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months, two or three years, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months, or by a fine, or by both such imprisonment and fine.

The teens were released to the custody of their parents while the Gilroy Police Department awaits the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department's review of the case for possible prosecution.

Meanwhile, at 5 p.m. Thursday, the Ballybunion Fire was deemed 100-percent contained. Firefighters were expected to remain on scene for the next few days for "fire line repair," according to Cal Fire's Santa Clara County Unit.

"Although arrests were made in this case, this investigation is still open and ongoing," police said.

Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact Arson Investigator Mitch Madruga at 408-846-0350.

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• Gilroy Ballybunion Fire Now 100 Acres, 10-Percent Contained: Cal Fire
• Gilroy Ballybunion Fire, Day 3: Containment Up As Firefight Continues
• Gilroy Ballybunion Fire, Day 4: 'Significant Progress' Made On Containment

Photo courtesy of Theresa Byrne