2 teens deny setting Elgin house fire

Two of three teenagers accused of starting a March house fire in Elgin pleaded not guilty Friday.

Anthony M. Huff, 18, of the 0-100 block of Elm Avenue in Carpentersville, and Salvatore Riso, 18, of the 500 block of Wendt Avenue in East Dundee, were arraigned before Kane County Judge Thomas Mueller on charges of aggravated arson, residential arson and aggravated criminal damage to property. The teens face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most serious offense, Mueller said.

Riso and Huff were among three teenagers arrested after a March 23 fire that left a house on the 500 block of Ashland Avenue uninhabitable. No one was hurt in the fire, but five pets had to be rescued.

Elgin police have said a flammable liquid was used to start the fire the same night a fight was reported at the house.

Also charged is Jessica Fliginger, 18, of the 200 block of North Green Street in Carpentersville. She has not yet entered a plea.

Both Riso and Huff remained in the county jail Friday in lieu of $100,000 bond. They are due back in court June 4.