PLEASANT HILL (CBS SF / BCN) – Pleasant Hill police arrested two teens Wednesday in connection with a grass fire near Diablo Valley College, believed to have been caused by illegal fireworks.

Two 16-year-olds allegedly threw an explosive tennis ball-sized mortar from a moving vehicle on Golf Club Road. The resulting fire burned a quarter of an acre of grass and trees before firefighters put it out.

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The device was designed to be detonated in a special launch tube, although without the tube it exploded on the ground, spraying sparks in all directions. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District officials said the fire could have spread to nearby homes in less favorable weather conditions.

A witness saw the youths fleeing from the scene near Contra Costa Boulevard and Doray Drive and called the police. The officers arrested the two 16-year-old residents of Pleasant Hill, who were interviewed and later released into the care of their parents.

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Fire investigators said they would refer the case to prosecutors on likely charges of unlawful fire and possession of fireworks. The suspects are likely to be referred to the fire department’s youth fire department program.

The incident follows another fire that allegedly started last week in the Vine Hill neighborhood and was also caused by teenagers.

Fire district officials say they want to remind the public that fireworks, including those labeled “safe and healthy”, are dangerous and illegal in Contra Costa County. Anyone who sees people using fireworks can anonymously call the department’s arson hotline at (866) 50-ARSON (27766).

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