15-year-old faces charges in Round Lake Beach brush fire

A 15-year-old boy is facing arson charges alleging he intentionally set a brush fire last month that damaged at least two townhouses in Round Lake Beach, authorities said.

The April 29 fire in an undeveloped wetlands area started just before 3 p.m. between Rollins Road and Meadow Green Lane, authorities said.

The fire melted siding off townhouses on Meadow Green Lane and forced the evacuation of several businesses on Rollins Road.

Authorities said the 15-year-old was taken into custody Monday on suspicion of arson. Juvenile charges are not official until approved by a judge.

The fire burned about 7 acres of cattails and tall grasses, authorities said. No injuries were reported.