The Associated Press
POCATELLO, Idaho — Two 8-year-old Pocatello, Idaho, boys are charged with third-degree arson for a fire that destroyed a house and burned more than 1,200 acres of public and private land.
Bannock County Deputy Prosecutor Ian Service says the boys are accused of starting the so-called Drive-In fire on Aug. 15 in Pocatello.
He says they were playing with matches and a lighter, and had ignited and extinguished several smaller fires before one burned out of their control.
Officials estimate more than $750,000 was spent fighting the blaze.
Service says he doesn’t intend to lock up the boys but send a message that playing with fire has consequences and can cause serious damage.
Third-degree arson is a felony, but the punishment for juveniles is less severe than adults.