Series of Fires at Temecula School Allegedly Set by 2 Teens

Arson charges are being sought against two teenaged boys suspected of starting a series of fires at an elementary school in Temecula, it was reported Thursday.

The fires were allegedly ignited with Molotov cocktails and occurred on three separate days during August at Abby Reinke Elementary School, 43799 Sunny Meadows Drive, according to Melody Hendrickson, a spokeswoman for CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

“Surveillance operations conducted at the school by CAL FIRE investigators, with the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, helped identify the two suspected juveniles responsible for the fires,” Hendrickson stated in a news release.

Each incident was during the evening hours, Hendrickson said.

The suspects allegedly caused minor external property damage to school property when they ignited the Molotov cocktails, which Hendrickson described as “an incendiary device made up of a breakable container, an ignitable liquid and a wick.”

The school’s play structure was reportedly damaged in the fires, according to Melanie Norton, spokeswoman for the Temecula Valley Unified School District.

The suspects were not identified in CAL FIRE’s news release because they are minors. However, Hendrickson did say they were both male and high-school aged.

CAL FIRE, which the City of Temecula contracts with for its fire coverage, has forwarded the case to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

According to Hendrickson, CAL FIRE is seeking charges of arson to an inhabited dwelling and possession of a destructive device—both are felonies—against the youths.

Reached Thursday afternoon, District Attorney’s Office Spokesman John Hall said: “I am unable to comment on the case at this time.”