WEBEQUIE — A fire that caused an estimated $500,000 in damages has led to the arrest of two teens from Webequie First Nation, 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.
The blaze broke out Saturday evening in the community's airport terminal.
Nishnawbe Aski Police said firefighters from the First Nation were dispatched to extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading to other structures.
The situation was brought under control by 2:00 a.m. Sunday, but not before significant damage had occurred to the terminal.
NAPS investigators subsequently identified two suspects, one of whom was arrested without incident at a residence in the community Sunday afternoon.
The second individual turned himself in a short time later.
Both accused, who are 13 years old, were remanded into custody after an appearance in bail court.
Each is charged with arson causing damage to property, and with committing mischief causing over $5,000 in damages.
Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The charges have yet to be tested in court.
Although the airport terminal is not operational, police and a person who answered the phone at the Webequie First Nation band office said aircraft are still able to use the airport.
