Two juveniles have been arrested as a result of an arson investigation in Louisa County.

The Wapello Police Department states that at about 6:37 p.m. Wednesday their department and the Wapello Fire and Rescue and Wapello Ambulance Service were called to an apartment complex at 337 North 2nd Street for smoke coming out of the windows and active flames visible. The area was evacuated and the fire department was able to suppress the fire and sat on the building for the remainder of the evening and morning for any type of flare ups. The building appears to be a total loss.

The fire was immediately deemed suspicious as no electricity or gas was running to the address. After a full investigation two suspects aged 11 and 12 years old were charged with second degree arson, a class C felony, and were taken into custody. The juveniles were transported to the South Iowa Area Detention Service Agency in Montrose awaiting a criminal hearing. The State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Columbus Junction, Morning Sun, and Grandview fire departments also assisted.