4 boys charged in Pawcatuck garage fire

Stonington — Police have charged four local boys in connection with a Nov. 13 fire that destroyed a two-story garage at 26 Moss St. in Pawcatuck.

A 14-year-old boy was charged with third-degree arson, first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree burglary and first-degree criminal mischief. Three 13-year-old boys were charged with second-degree criminal trespass. Police did not release their names because they are juveniles.

All four were issued juvenile summonses to appear in court. One of the boys suffered minor burns from the fire but was treated on scene and didn’t require hospital care.

Fire Marshal Kevin Burns said a mattress was started on fire on the second floor of the three-car garage. The late afternoon fire then spread to the rest of the barnlike structure. Pawcatuck firefighters had the blaze under control in about 30 minutes, but the garage had to be demolished because the roof had collapsed and the building was unstable. The state fire marshal’s office assisted Burns and police with the investigation.

The property, which contains a three-family home, is owned by Antonio and Elvira Silva of Pawcatuck, according to town land records. They do not live on the property.