Send this page to someone via email

Five youths between the ages of 12 and 15 have been arrested by Little Grand Rapids RCMP in connection with two separate arson incidents, forcing nearby forest fire crews to be diverted to help.

RCMP arrested three girls – two 12-year-olds and a 15-year-old – Tuesday after a fire was set near the school in the Pauingassi community.

Police determined the fire was set deliberately and charged all three suspects with arson.

On May 28, 2019, Little Grand Rapids #rcmpmb responded to a fire that appeared to be deliberately set near the school in the community of Pauingassi. 3 female youths (ages 12, 12, & 15) were arrested later that day and charged with Arson. — RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) May 30, 2019

The forest fire was first spotted on Monday and was only 0.1 hectares. It quickly spread to 44 hectares overnight.

Six fire crews along with a helicopter are battling the blaze. Crews fighting the forest fire ended up helping to protect the school.

READ MORE: Arson charges in Little Grand Rapids fire that forced thousands to evacuate

Story continues below advertisement

On May 28, police were called to a second fire behind the band hall office in Little Grand Rapids.

A 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were arrested and charged with arson after an investigation by RCMP and Manitoba Sustainable Development.

Both incidents are still under investigation.

On May 29, 2019, Little Grand Rapids #rcmpmb were called to a second fire burning behind the Band Hall Office in the community of Little Grand Rapids, which also was determined to be deliberately set. A 12yo male & a 14yo female, have been arrested & charged with Arson. — RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) May 30, 2019

The community is in no imminent danger, and very little smoke from the forest fire is drifting into the First Nation.

A forest fire burns near Pauingassi First Nation in Manitoba. Province of Manitoba

WATCH: Ways to mitigate the risk of arson

4:02 Ways to mitigate the risk of arson Ways to mitigate the risk of arson