Four boys, ages 10 to 12, to be charged for fire that destroyed Eugene's Civic Stadium



EUGENE, Ore. -- Four boys, ages 10 to 12, now face criminal charges after fire destroyed a historic stadium earlier this week in Eugene.

Eugene-Springfield Fire Chief Randy Groves said the Civic Stadium’s dry, seasoned lumber caused the fire to spread quickly Monday evening.

Groves said no one was hurt.

The fire burned for about 90 minutes before crews were able to get it under control. Officials were forced to evacuate everyone within a two-block radius as a precaution.

Arson investigators received a tip Wednesday leading to four children who were likely involved in the fire. Officials said it was not fireworks-related.

Details on specific charges were to be announced on Thursday, said Eugene police. The stadium, which was a total loss, remains closed as the investigation continues.

Eugene fire and police officials said earlier that three or four young people had been seen in the stadium press box shortly before the fire started.

The Eugene Emeralds played at Civic Stadium for 41 years before moving to the University of Oregon’s PK Park in 2010, according to KPTV.