'RHOC' star confirms son's involvement in seven-acre SoCal fire
"Real Housewives of Orange County" star Jennifer Pedranti is confirming her son's involvement in a recent Southern California fire.
The reality personality, 49, took to her Instagram story Thursday, July 9 to address speculation that her son, who she shares with ex-husband Will Pedranti, started a fire in the Ladera Ranch area of Orange County two days prior.
"I would like to clear up the rumblings of my son having involvement in the Ladera Ranch fire," she wrote. "He and others were involved. 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."
Firefighters responded to the area around 4:45 p.m. local time July 7, "after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting the fire threatening nearby homes," according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
A "coordinated ground and air response" stopped the flames after spreading seven acres, "preventing injuries and protecting homes," the agency said.
In her statement, Pedranti said she was "so thankful there was no property damage and nobody was hurt," before crediting the "absolutely amazing" firefighters and police officers who "gave these boys a lesson they will never forget."
"There were no arrests made, but consequences for actions are being put into place," she continued. "He will be taking a fire safety course to make sure a mistake like this never happens again. There are consequences within our family and we will make sure our son learns from this accident."
Pedranti did not identify which of her children was involved, as she and her ex share sons – Harrison, 22; Dawson, 19; Greyson, 16; and Dominic, 12 – as well as daughter Everleigh, 14.
Pedranti has been documenting her life on Bravo's "RHOC" since 2023, often opening up about life as a mom of five and her experiences coparenting. She is returning as a full-time cast member for the milestone 20th season, premiering Thursday, July 9.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'RHOC' star confirms son's involvement in seven-acre SoCal fire
Reporting by Liza Esquibias, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 9, 2026 at 5:52 PM.