11-year-old firestarter charged for $200k Meeka damage

An 11-year-old girl has been charged over a fire which caused more than $200,000 in damage to a Meekatharra property this week.

At about 3.30pm on Tuesday, Department of Fire and Emergency Services personnel were called to a property on Consols Road.

The blaze was extinguished and Arson Squad investigators later attended the scene, where they determined the fire had been deliberately lit.

Police say the building was extensively damaged and estimated the cost of repairs in excess of $200,000.

As the result of an investigation by Geraldton Detectives and Meekatharra police, the 11-year-old has been charged with criminal damage by fire and trespass on a place without lawful excuse.

She is due to appear before the Meekatharra Children’s Court next month.