Boy arrested after fire damages church, preschool near Goleta

GOLETA, Calif. - A fire that caused major damage to a preschool and a church Monday night near Goleta was intentionally set, Santa Barbara County Fire Department says. An underage boy was apprehended in connection to the fires.

The fire was started inside Growing Babies Preschool and Infant Center on the 400 block of North Turnpike Road late Monday night. The preschool is attached to the Church of Religious Science.

Fire Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set.

In the ensuing hours, firefighters responded to two fires that appeared to be intentionally set on on Vala Drive. Those fires destroyed several garbage cans and a portable toilet.

On Tuesday, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Deputies detained a "juvenile male" who is suspected of starting the fires.

Both the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Sheriff's Office would not specify on the general age of the boy who was detained.