Hotel fires raise suspicion

Two fires that took place over the past few weeks at a resort on the 30800 block of Coast Highway are under investigation by the fire department.

"We are suspicious the fires were set maliciously," division Chief Jeff LaTendresse said.

In the first blaze, which occurred about 3:30 a.m. Sunday, March 5, a towel believed to be stuck into a ceiling lamp caught fire and burned itself out, LaTendresse said.

The second fire occurred about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, and is believed to have been caused by a towel stuck in a wall light. The fire burned out by itself.

Both fires triggered structure fire alarms which require the fire department to respond with all four of its engine companies and a backup from Orange County, LaTendresse said.