Real Housewives of Orange County personality Jennifer Pedranti has spoken out after speculation spread that her son played a role in a brush fire in Southern California.
On her Instagram Story, the 48-year-old addressed growing rumors in the community about Tuesday’s fire in the hills of Ladera Ranch, California.
Pedranti said her son was involved in causing the blaze, along with a number of other local children.
“I’d like to address rumors of my son’s involvement in Tuesday’s seven-acre blaze,” Pedranti told her followers, confirming that she and her ex-husband, Will Pedranti, are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
She also offered an apology to people in the area she once lived near.
“This is a tough learning moment for our son and our family.”
Emergency crews from the Orange County Fire Authority responded quickly and helped contain the blaze in dry, steep hillside terrain. Local reporting and official incident updates indicate the fire was stopped at roughly seven acres and did not spread to nearby homes.
Pedranti said the incident did not leave anyone hurt, and no homes or other structures were damaged.
She commended the firefighters and police officers who responded, saying they were “amazing” and that they “taught the boys a lesson they’ll never forget.”
Although Pedranti, who shares sons Harrison, Dawson, Greyson, and Dominic, as well as daughter Everleigh, with her ex, did not specify which child was responsible, she said there would be serious consequences at home.
She added that her son must complete a required fire safety course and will also face strict discipline from the family.
Sources in law enforcement said no arrests have been made over the fire.
Officials also indicated that when minors are involved and there is no destruction of homes or commercial property, authorities often avoid criminal charges and instead require educational fire safety programs.
The fire comes as hot, dry weather continues to create dangerous conditions across California. Orange County’s brush-covered canyons and hillside communities can be especially vulnerable when temperatures rise and rainfall remains limited.
CAL FIRE statistics show that, as of June 15, 2026, there had been 2,323 wildfires across California this year, burning a combined 64,971 acres.
Among the Southern California incidents this year are the Volcano Fire in Riverside County, the Sandy Fire in Ventura County, and the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Santa Barbara County.