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Fire that damaged South Daytona home started by 16-year-old torching Christmas tree, police say

Fire caused cosmetic damage to home along Reed Canal Road

Fire crews are working a fire along Reed Canal Road. (South Daytona Police Department.)

SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. – Fire crews managed to douse a brush fire Monday afternoon that caused some damage to a home along Reed Canal Road in South Daytona.

Roads near Coventry Forest were closed while firefighters worked the fire.

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Investigators said witnesses saw four juveniles running from the area shortly after the fire started. Police managed to track down the juveniles and question them about the flames.

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Investigators said it was learned that one of the teens, a 16-year-old boy, set a Christmas tree on fire in the woods, but the flames quickly got out of control and began to spread. News 6 has decided not to name the teen.

Fire officials said a home in the area was damaged and evacuated. Police said the damage was only cosmetic.

The 16-year-old now faces charges of intentional or reckless burning of lands and arson.

Police said the fire was contained around 3 p.m.