Two 14-year-old boys have been arrested after setting a fire that engulfed a supermarket in Adelaide Hills, causing extensive damage and evacuations.
The blaze, which broke out inside a Woolworths store in Stirling, led to approximately $15 million in damages.
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Country Fire Service (CFS) and Metropolitan crews responded to reports of smoke emanating from the store on Mount Barker Road shortly after 2 pm.
Around 100 firefighters worked for several hours to contain the fire, which also impacted multiple adjacent businesses.
While the fire caused substantial destruction, no injuries were reported.
The road was closed in the area due to thick, acrid smoke from the blaze.
Although Mount Barker Road was reopened to traffic, speed restrictions remained in place, and a cordon surrounded the shopping complex.
CFS spokesperson Cameron Devey said that aerosol canisters were reportedly exploding before emergency services arrived on the scene.
Fire Cause Investigators conducted an initial assessment, but a more detailed investigation will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the fire.
South Australian police have confirmed that the two 14-year-old boys, from Heathfield and Bridgewater, will be charged with arson relating to the supermarket fire.
They will be granted bail and are expected to appear at the Mount Barker Youth Court in December.
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