ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh County officials have announced that two juveniles are in custody in connection with the massive building fire on Wednesday night that destroyed several properties on Front Street in Allentown.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca made the announcement on Friday.
Both juveniles will not be named and their ages will not be provided, according to officials.
Due to the age and circumstances of the offense, these charges must proceed through the juvenile system, Lehigh County officials said.
Officials say both are in juvenile detention currently and the charges include counts of Arson, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Conspiracy and Causing a Catastrophe.
The old American Atelier furniture factory went up in flames Wednesday night, prompting a large response from local first responders.
Old Allentown furniture factory engulfed in flames, historic site’s future uncertain
The first calls started coming in reporting the fire just after 8:30 p.m..
The blaze was so intense, it was called to six alarms.
The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley says its helping 25 people in nine households that were affected by the fire, and six of them are children.
‘Very unusual’: Immense 6-alarm factory fire draws 200 regional firefighters to Allentown
The United Way is asking for clothes, toiletries, cash, and gift cards for stores and restaurants to help bridge these families until they have established a place to live.
If you are interested in donating, you can at their website here.
The investigation remains ongoing.