Three 14-year-olds, two boys and a girl, have been charged with arson and break and enter after an abandoned building in downtown Milton went up in flames early Sunday evening. The fire broke out at an old RONA store 700 Main St. E., near Wilson Drive. Emergency responders said they were called to that area at around 6:30 p.m. for reports of smoke and flames visible inside an abandoned building at that address. There, firefighters encountered a large smoky fire. It took some time to bring under control, Const. Jeff Dillon, of Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) said on Monday, but the fire was contained and has now been extinguished. He said fire crews remain on scene monitoring for any hot spots. The origin of the blaze is now being considered “suspicious,” police said in a news release. Dillon said investigators are aware of video footage circulating online, but can’t comment further, as the identities of the accused are protected by law. Condo residents displaced Halton Regional Police said the residents of a large condo complex nearby were evacuated due to its proximity to the fire. No serious injuries were reported, although some people did experience the effects of smoke inhalation. “Because the fire was so close to this condo complex, officers and fire did respond in order to clear that condo complex to make sure everybody was safe. They were accommodated and given given places to stay and stay warm while this fire was foughta nd they did eventually return home,” Dillon said. 3 suspects arrested As a result, members of the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau took carriage of the investigation and identified the three suspects. Three 14-year-old youths, all from the Milton area, were arrested. They have each been charged with one count each of break and enter and arson. The accused cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. “I can’t speak on any evidence that might be involved in this (arrest) but obviously our officers would have been going around looking for witnesses. They would have become aware of video circulating and all that would have formed part of the investigation that would have led to the arrests of the people involved,” the HRPS media officer said, adding he’s just glad no one was hurt, including those charged. “I don’t have that information with regards to how (the fire) was started but I can tell you that obviously it spread very quickly. It was quite dangerous and we’re we’re quite lucky that there weren’t any serious injuries associated with it.” This investigation is ongoing and anyone with further is asked to contact Halton police at 905-825-4777, ext. 2416.
