Two boys face reckless conduct charges in a fire that caused damage to 18 homes in Cherokee County, a fire official said Monday.
The Friday incident was initially reported as a brush fire that later spread to homes on Oak Leaf Place in Acworth. The fire ended up damaging homes near Ga. 92, Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services spokesman Tim Cavender said.
The boys, ages 10 and 11, admitted to starting the blaze with a lighter and charcoal lighter fluid, Cavender said. Neighbors told investigators the kids were playing with the materials in their backyard and the fire spread quickly.
An investigator confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that one of the kids playing with the two juveniles was a 5-year-old.
The damage was estimated at several hundred thousand dollars, according to Cherokee fire.
The boys who face charges were released Friday to the custody of their parents, who declined interviews, Channel 2 Action News reported.
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