“Real Housewives of Orange County” cast member Jennifer Pedranti has addressed a Southern California brush fire that burned through seven acres of hillside, acknowledging that her son was among the minors involved in starting the blaze.
Pedranti, 49, shared a statement on her Instagram Story on Thursday after, as she put it, “rumblings” began circulating about her family’s connection to the fire, which broke out Tuesday in Ladera Ranch.
“He and others were involved,” Pedranti wrote, though she did not specify which of her four sons was part of the group.
“My ex-husband and myself take this very serious. This behavior is unacceptable and we are deeply sorry to our community. This is a tough learning moment for our son and our family.”
According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the fire was reported around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday near Narrow Canyon Road and Acaster Way. Dry brush helped the flames spread to about seven acres before crews, supported by both ground and aerial firefighting efforts, were able to contain it.
Officials said the flames did not reach nearby homes, and there were no reports of injuries or major property damage.
“We were so thankful there was no property damage and nobody was hurt. The fire and police were absolutely amazing and gave these boys a lesson they will never forget,” Pedranti wrote.
The Orange County Fire Authority said several minors were questioned at the scene. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, and no arrests have been made.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that’s standard procedure in cases where minors accidentally start fires that don’t cause property damage. Rather than pursuing criminal charges, authorities typically require them to complete fire safety education.
Pedranti said her son will be required to take a fire safety course and also face punishment at home.
“There were no arrests made, but consequences for actions are being put into place. He will be taking a fire safety course to make sure a mistake like this never happens again,” she wrote.
“There are consequences within our family and we will make sure our son learns from this accident.”
Pedranti shares five children with ex-husband William Pedranti — sons Harrison, 22, Dawson, 19, Greyson, 16, and Dominic, 12, along with daughter Everleigh, 14. She did not reveal which son was involved.
According to TMZ, Pedranti and her children previously lived in the Ladera Ranch neighborhood but moved about a year ago.
The incident comes as Pedranti prepares to return as a full-time cast member for Season 20 of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” which premieres Thursday. She joined the long-running reality series in 2023 and is now engaged to fiancé Ryan Boyajian.
