REDLANDS – (INT) - Three teen-age boys were arrested for arson and vandalism Thursday evening following a structure fire at a construction yard near the Santa Ana River wash.

Firefighters reported a fire near the river wash Thursday. At about the same time, a Fontana Police Department helicopter, also reported a structure on fire in the same area, at the Larry Jacinto Construction yard at the north end of Texas Street.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze in less than 10 minutes before it could ignite nearby dry vegetation, but the structure was destroyed. Firefighters also noticed construction equipment in the area had been vandalized, with broken windows and graffiti.

Police responded to the scene, spotted three suspects in the nearby orange groves and directed patrol officers on the ground to their location.

Patrol units contacted the suspects and took them into custody. The suspects, males ages 13, 14 and 15, were arrested and booked at Juvenile Hall.

Arson investigators are continuing the joint investigation.

No injuries were reported. Damage from the arson and vandalism is estimated at $25,000.

Story Date: July 6, 2015