SYDNEY, Australia -- Police in the Australian state of Victoria on Friday arrested two teenagers following a major fire in Southbank, Melbourne.
Victoria Police confirmed in a statement that the 13-year-old and 15-year-old males were apprehended at Southern Cross Station on Friday afternoon and are currently assisting investigators with their inquiries in relation to arson and other matters.
Just after 4:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, emergency services were called to a building fire on Clarendon Street.
Huge flames sent plumes of smoke billowing into the air. Local resident Julian Beltran told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that there was a lot of smoke, and the fire was spreading very quickly.
As the area was filled with high-density residential buildings, Beltran added that he was wondering if it could reach one of the buildings where people were living.
Fire Rescue Victoria soon issued an "Advice" alert, warning residents living in Albert Park, Docklands, Melbourne, Port Melbourne, South Melbourne, South Wharf and Southbank to stay informed and monitor conditions.
"Those in high-rise apartments in the area should close doors and windows to prevent smoke from entering their premises," said the fire authority.
The fire was put under control at about 6:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, with firefighters remaining on-site into the evening.
The police said that no one was inside the abandoned warehouse at the time of the incident, and no one was injured.