Three juveniles were taken into custody Wednesday after admitting to starting a structure fire in Atwater that caused an estimated $30,000 in damages, according to Atwater police Lt. Sam Joseph.
There are no injuries reported from the fire.
The fire was set Monday about 3 p.m. at a 2977 Winton Way building in Atwater, Joseph said. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Atwater police units were dispatched to the fire at a vacant commercial building.
Fire investigators were able to determine the blaze had been set by three high school students after watching surveillance tapes. Officers found the three Wednesday and brought them in for questioning.
According to authorities, the juveniles said they set the fire while "ditching school." They were released to their parents after being taken into custody, and face arson and conspiracy charges.
"Officers from these two agencies worked as a team" during the investigation that culminated in the two arrests, Joseph said.
Reporter Ramona Giwargis can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or rgiwargis@mercedsunstar.com.
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