Arson charges for boys accused of setting Oregon's Civic Stadium on fire
EUGENE, Ore. - Four boys accused of playing with fire and starting a massive blaze that destroyed Eugene, Oregon's historic Civic Stadium are facing more serious charges.
The Register-Guard newspaper of Eugene reports that the boys, one who's 10 and the others 12, were charged with first-degree arson and reckless endangerment Monday. The charges were added to counts of criminal mischief, reckless burning and reckless endangerment.
Investigators say the boys were playing with fire June 29 and then fled when the flames got out of control. The panicked boys jumped a chain-link fence as the flames spread, hopped on their bicycles and fled.
The parents of a fifth boy who left before the fire tipped off police July 1.
The stadium hasn't been used since 2009 when the minor-league Eugene Emeralds left.