ANTELOPE VALLEY : Growing List of Juveniles Blamed for Recent Fires

The four boys believed to be responsible for a fire that left 2,100 acres burned and two homes destroyed are among a growing list of juveniles who are being blamed for dozens of blazes in the Antelope Valley.

Since June 1, at least 34 youths have been detained or arrested in north Los Angeles County for arson, including the four juveniles--ages 8 through 10--booked in Wednesday’s fire.

Five Antelope Valley houses have been destroyed or damaged this year in Antelope Valley grass fires started by children, according to Battalion Chief Michael Balzano of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Investigators say that although the fires set by children can sometimes be devastating, such as the one Wednesday that caused more than $400,000 in damage, they are often started without malicious intent. Children playing with matches or experimenting with smoking do so without realizing the potential explosive consequences.