Redmond police: Child started fire that threatened homes

(Update: Police say child started fire)

Firefighters on Thursday night stopped a quarter-acre brushfire near a northeast Redmond park.The fire threatened several homes and investigators deemed it suspicious in nature. Police said later a youngster had started the blaze.

Crews were called around 8:30 p.m. to the reported fire in an area adjacent to Diamond Bar Ranch Park at 575 Northeast Quince Avenue, said Fire Marshal Traci Cooper.

Because of their quick response, they were able to stop the fire in brush and grass that threatened homes, Cooper said.

Linda Madrigal lives near the site of the fire and was reading a book when she saw the flames.

“When I first noticed the flames it was about 8:15 p.m., so by the time they finished it was dark outside. It was was scary to have it so close,” Madrigal said Friday.

Redmond police assisted firefighters at the scene, and there were no injuries or structures involved, Cooper said.

Redmond police told NewsChannel 21 Friday the child who started the fire was under the age of 12 and will not be charged.

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