Arrests made in 2007 Wasaga Beach fire

Flames soar out of the building as the fire rages in Wasaga, Ont. early Friday, Nov. 30, 2007.

The OPP has announced that it has charged two men with arson in connection with the fire that destroyed most of Wasaga Beach's historic downtown business district 14 months ago.

OPP Const. Mark Kinney of Huronia West detachment told ctvtoronto.ca on Friday that one suspect, an 18-year-old from Springwater Township, can't be named as he was a young offender at the time.

A second suspect is 21-year-old Andew Paulino from Barrie. They face charges of arson and break-and-enter.

The fire broke out at about 1 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2007, destroying eight buildings housing 21 businesses in the beach resort community's Main Street Mall.

The pedestrian mall is connected to the town's famous beachfront along Georgian Bay.

About 80 firefighters from around the area fought the blaze for hours.

Besides causing millions in damage, about 20 people lost their homes.

Kinney said police didn't began a criminal investigation until after the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office determined that the cause was suspicious. Police from the Barrie City and South Simcoe police services assisted with the investigation, he said.

The men have also been charged in connection with other fires that occurred between Nov. 18 and Dec. 7, 2007 in Barrie, Innisfil Township and Springwater Township.