Two teenagers accused of arson in blaze that destroyed facilities at Buena Vista pool in Elizabeth

Two 13-year-old teenagers were arrested Thursday by Elizabeth Township police for allegedly setting an early morning fire that severely damaged facilities at a township swimming pool.

The fire started around 3:30 a.m. at the Buena Vista pool, which is owned and operated by the fire department. It destroyed a building that housed locker and restrooms, along with storage for outdoor equipment like lawn mowers and pool chemicals, according the the Buena Vista Fire Department Capt. Mike Hansen.

Within 12 hours, township police working with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office and county police announced the arrests.

There were no known injuries, but authorities allege the pair set the fire using Molotov cocktails.

Police said the juveniles were both processed through the juvenile justice system with several felony charges, including arson and charges related to manufacturing and possessing incendiary devices.

“It was beyond salvageable even at that point,” Hansen said, noting everything inside the building was a complete loss.

The facility is temporarily closed. Hansen hopes to reopen the pool for part of the summer, which is the 70th season. The season already was marred by the coronavirus pandemic, forcing operations to 50% of capacity to maintain social distancing.

He noted the department plans to rebuild.

“We’re just glad we can keep doing it,” he said. “Our predecessors built it, it was built with private money and maintained that way, too.”

Even with the arrests, anyone with more information concerning the arson is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tipline at1-833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.