Two 13-year-olds were charged with arson after hay bales went up in flames in Spruce Grove on Saturday afternoon.
RCMP and the Parkland Fire Department responded to the blaze north of Highway 16A and west of Jennifer Heil Way.
“Due to the damage that would be done to the farm field and the cleanup challenges that would be created by putting the bales out, the decision was made to allow the bales to burn out completely,” said Spruce Grove Fire Services Chief Robert Kosterman on Sunday.
“The fire was monitored by Spruce Grove Fire Services and the local farmer throughout the evening.”
RCMP estimated the damage to be $10,000, and 150 bales were lost in the fire.
“Parkland RCMP want to remind area residents at this time there continues to be a countywide fire ban,” police said in a news release on Saturday.
Mounties clarified Sunday: “Though there is a countywide fire ban, the Spruce Grove fire department has confirmed this does not impact lawful fires held within the city of Spruce Grove.”
The teens are scheduled for court on June 4.
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