Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with a pair of structure fires which occurred Sunday in Penticton.

The fires started less than an hour apart and both involved buildings under construction.

The first fire started just before 5 p.m. and involved a three unit townhouse complex on Edmonton Avenue. Damage was minimal.

While crews were dealing with that fire, the second one was called in just after 5:30 p.m. The Hamlets, a newly built retirement complex located on Duncan Avenue, suffered serious damage to one section.

Corporal Rick Dellebuur says the three teenagers were arrested near the site of the Duncan Avenue fire shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday.

“RCMP have arrested a 16-year-old Oliver male, a 14-year-old Penticton boy and an 18-year-old Penticton female in connection to both fires. They have each been charged with two counts of arson and are appearing in Penticton Provincial Court Monday afternoon,” says Dellebuur.

Two firefighters were injured fighting the Duncan Avenue blaze, one was treated for heat exhaustion and one suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Link: Penticton fires under investigation Link: Fire destroys retirement facility