Four girls ranging in age from 12 to 16 years old are facing criminal charges after an alleged arson badly damaged several homes in Oshawa earlier this month.
The blaze broke out around 5 a.m. on Oct. 6 at a residence in the area of Eddystone and Okanagan paths, Durham Regional Police said in a news release Tuesday.
The home was occupied at the time. Everyone inside managed to escape safely and no injuries were reported, police said.
It’s estimated the fire caused more than $2 million in damages to multiple properties, according to police.
The four girls, all from Oshawa, were arrested on Sunday.
Three of the girls, ages 12, 15 and 16, face one count each of arson with disregard for human life, mischief under $5,000 and intimidation by threats of violence. Meanwhile, another 15-year-old was charged with arson with disregard for human life and mischief under $5,000.
All four were held for a bail hearing, police said.
Anyone with information about the fire or video that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact Durham police or to send an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.