Two boys’ cases continued in downtown Newport fire

NEWPORT — Two small children, accused of starting the Main Street fire in Newport May 1, had their cases continued Wednesday in 3rd District Court at Newport.

The boys, ages 8 and 9, will appear in court at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12.

During their arraignment on June 27, the boys’ cases were treated as one and no plea was entered.

Judge Andrew Mead continued the case in June so that the boys could be evaluated by psychologists “to determine intent.” During procedures Wednesday, the cases were continued to allow more time for evaluation and negotiations, according to Attorney Charles Cox, who is representing one of the children.

Until Wednesday, Cox had represented both boys, but in motions during the hearing he relinquished one of the cases to Attorney William Palmer, citing a conflict of interest.

The million-dollar fire allegedly was started by the boys who were playing on the second floor of an abandoned restaurant, The Yankee Cafe.

The children told police officers that while they played, they started a fire with a pile of rags and automobile starting fluid. They attempted to extinguish the fire, but when they could not, they told police they covered it with a rubber raft.

The fire smoldered for more than eight hours before erupting through the roof of the cafe and spreading to the remainder of the block. Four families and five businesses were displaced.

Both children are in the custody of their parents. One child remains locally while the other has moved to Westbrook. In mid-July, another million-dollar fire hit Main Street, this time destroying a landmark business, Friend and Whitney Oil Co. The cause of that fire remains under investigation.