Arsonist Set Coto de Caza School Fire, Investigation Finds

Orange County Fire Authorities confirmed today a blaze in a vacant school in Cota de Caza last month was intentionally set.

Investigators determined the fire had multiple points of origin, a sign of arson, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

Investigators hope anyone who has information about the fire would step forward, Conciald said.

The blaze inside the Merryhill elementary school -- closed since 2008 -- was reported at 11:36 p.m., April 29, Concialdi said.

The OCFA dispatched 35 firefighters to the scene and declared a knock down at 1:01 a.m., Concialdi said.

The blaze caused $200,000 in damage, Concialdi said.

One building with three classrooms and a bathroom was destroyed and fire scorched a second building on the campus, Concialdi said.

Anyone who witnessed or heard of anything suspicious related to the blaze was encouraged to call investigators at (714) 573-6720 or email officials at ocfainvestigator@ocfa.org.

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