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Homes in Yorba Linda briefly threatened by 125-acre fire

The Associated Press
Monday April 22, 2002

YORBA LINDA — A 125-acre fire apparently sparked by illegal fireworks came dangerously close to homes on the eastern edge of Yorba Linda on Sunday evening, but winds pushed it northeast into a state park and no evacuations were required, authorities said. 

The flames came within about 200 feet of the homes in a residential neighborhood on the edge of Chino Hills State Park before moving safely into the park, authorities said. The fire was 20 percent contained Sunday night. 

“We had a lot of residents calling that could see smoke and flames pretty clearly from their homes,” said Orange County Fire Authority spokeswoman Kymbra Fleming. 

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested for investigation of using illegal fireworks and were released to the custody of their parents, Fleming said. 

The fire broke out just after 5 p.m. on a brush-covered hill. Northeasterly gusts of 5- to 10-miles-per hour pushed the flames away from the homes as night fell, but firefighters stationed engines nearby as a precaution. 

About 130 firefighters were battling the blaze. 

Meanwhile, in Riverside County, two adults and one juvenile were in custody for allegedly starting a fire that scorched 150 acres in heavy brush in San Timoteo Canyon, north of Moreno Valley. 

There were some scattered homes in the area, but they did not appear to be in danger, said Riverside County Fire spokeswoman Joanne Evans. 

The fire was reported at 4:23 p.m. and six hours later was still burning out of control. Officials had no estimate of when it would be contained. 

About 260 firefighters and 22 engines were on the scene. Firefighters were hampered by blustery conditions, but winds died down as the evening progressed.