STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Three boys faces arson charges in connection with a fire that

FDNY fire marshals arrested the boys, ages 12, 13 and 15, on Wednesday, in connection with the fire, which badly damaged the two-story Kruser-Finley House on Aug. 28, according to FDNY spokesman Frank Dwyer.

The youngsters, whose names were not released because of their age, face charges of arson, criminal mischief, burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal trespass, Dwyer said.

A source familiar with the investigation said the trio lit some unspecified "combustible materials." Fire marshals tracked them down because, the source said, they "bragged about it on FaceBook."

According to a report on the Daily News website, the 12-year-old is the nephew of "Big Ang" Raiola of "Mob Wives" fame. The Advance was unable to confirm that information Wednesday night.

The Kruser-Finley House, which dates to 1790 and was relocated from Egbertville, was home to a number of craftsmen in the 1800s, some of whom might have had workshops in the building, according to Historic Richmond Town's website. It is named for the two families with the longest period of residence.

The fire took place just days before the Richmond County Fair, which is Historic Richmond Town's signature event. It raged on the first and second floor for nearly an hour before a dozen FDNY units and roughly 60 firefighters brought the flames under control.

"The fire was devastating enough, but it's even more distressing that children in our community might be behind this incident," said Ed Wiseman, Richmond Town's executive director. "This is a piece of American history that they've attacked."

Wiseman called the arrests a "wake-up call," explaining, "It makes all of us parents want to make triple-sure we know where our kids are."

He praised the efforts of the fire marshals, noting that they worked late hours and chased down leads to solve the case.

As for what should happen to the youths, he said, "I don't know what the law allows. They're children. ... I can only hope that there's some way that their lives can be turned around."

While the home was vacant, it stored valuable items that were part of the Richmond Town collection. It did not house anything combustible, Wiseman said Wednesday.

The structure sits behind a wooden fence, near the intersection of Richmond and Arthur Kill roads.

The flames obliterated the roof and gutted most of the second floor. Wiseman said that a temporary canopy will go up to shield it from the winter elements, donated by the National Association of Remodeling/Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island, a non-profit trade association.

The canopy is expected to protect the house through the winter and early spring, until restoration work is completed.