Two boys have been charged in connection with a fire that destroyed a manufactured home on April 25, police said last week.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District and the Sweet Home Police Department at approximately 4:57 p.m. to a report of the fire at 1530 Tamarack Street, space #18. When responding units arrived, they located a fully-involved manufactured home. The manufactured home was unoccupied and was a total loss.
According to Police Chief Jeff Lynn, during the subsequent investigation, officers learned that two male juveniles, ages 11 and 12, were responsible for starting the fire. Statements obtained during the investigation revealed that the juveniles had entered the unoccupied manufactured home and were playing with a lighter inside.
On May 1 the two juveniles were charged with second-degree criminal trespass and reckless burning.
The juveniles were referred to the Linn County Juvenile Department for the crimes, Lynn said.
Both juveniles are residents of Sweet Home and live in the nearby area where the fire occurred, he said.
“I’m impressed with the cooperation and hard work by SHPD and their officers,” said Fire Chief Dave Barringer. “I appreciate their willingness to communicate vital information and keep us informed on their investigations.”
They’re doing great police work, he said. “Arson investigations can be challenging and time consuming, with a lot of coordination between police and fire.”