Briefly in the news

It took Costa Mesa firefighters about 10 minutes to extinguish a small

blaze that they say an “apparently disgruntled” 90-year-old man started

in the middle of his hotel room Sunday afternoon.

Costa Mesa Battalion Chief Chris Riley said the 1:20 p.m. fire at the

Holiday Inn was ignited by the man, who then fled the scene and was

arrested on suspicion of arson at a nearby hotel.

Riley said officials suspect the man ignited papers to start the fire,

though the investigation is continuing.

A firefighter treated for exhaustion was the only injury reported.

Riley said 21 firefighters were on the scene at one time, clearing

smoke from the second and third floors and evacuating the hotel, located

at 3131 Bristol St.