CERES: Teen boys arrested on suspicion of starting fire

CERES -- Two 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of starting a two-alarm fire that destroyed a vacant home in Ceres last week.

Heavy smoke and flames consumed the house at 2024 Evens Road on Sept. 18 when firefighters arrived on scene. It took them an hour to fully extinguish the flames, which caused about $140,000 in damage.

Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Nicholes said the fire was started under the porch in the backyard with an open flame, likely a lighter. Neighbors in the area reported seeing two teenage boys in the backyard.

Ceres police Detective Tonya Smith located the two teens through witness statements two days after the fire and arrested them on suspicion of arson. Both boys admitted to starting the fire but would not say why, Smith said. They remain incarcerated in juvenile hall.