A teenager set a garbage can on fire at a county forest shelter on Monday, damaging county park property, according to the Erie County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say the warming shelter at the County Forestry on Genesee Road in the Town of Sardinia suffered smoke and fire damage after the fire was set around 7:40 p.m.
Sardinia firemen told deputies the fire was extinguished and the damage to the structure was minimal. According to Fireman Whittington, smoke could be seen billowing from the structure when firefighters arrived. The fire company says it saw a picnic table heavily damaged inside and a melted plastic garbage can on top of the table.
Deputy Krypel, the official at the scene, says a witness directed him to a suspect. The deputy found a 15-year-old boy was responsible for the fire.
Officials say the minor was arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief and arson. He was issued appearance tickets to family court and released to a guardian.
