Aerial view of fire damage in Mason City.
Three juveniles are charged with multiple counts of arson after a field fire in Mason City.
The city’s police and fire departments responded shortly after 10 o’clock Thursday morning, with multiple fires breaking out in areas on the city’s southwest side.
There weren’t any farmers doing harvest work at the time of the fires. Three subjects were observed running into a field adjacent to one of the fires.
Twelve-year-olds Skyler Moorehead, Tyra Wilson and Chris Olman were all later apprehended.
They’ve been charged with one count of first-degree arson, one count of second-degree arson, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, one count of third-degree criminal mischief and one count of interference with official acts. Mason City police say about 40 acres of corn as well as a Mason City fire truck were damaged.
Farmers helped plow up ground for fire breaks and five area departments also responded with mutual aid to battle the fires.
By Bob Fisher, KRIB, Mason City. Photo courtesy of Mason City police.