Send this page to someone via email

WINNIPEG — Police have charged a 12-year-old boy with setting a fire that closed Portage Avenue in both directions during rush hour Tuesday and caused half a million dollars damage.

The blaze was set in a culvert under Portage Avenue at Albany Street at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

“The male fled and the fire spread to the lining which consists of foam and poly material,” police said in a news release Wednesday.

The blaze produced huge plumes of black smoke that firefighters feared could be dangerous, prompting the evacuation of some nearby buildings.

Once the blaze was extinguished, there were concerns the culvert might no longer be able to support traffic, prompting crews to close the major route in both directions until 8 p.m.

Some westbound lanes remain closed on Wednesday morning and the area is still being assessed, police said. Damage is estimated at $500,000.

Story continues below advertisement

The 12-year-old suspect was arrested at a nearby school, police said. He was charged with arson causing property damage and possessing incendiary material.