A fire that damaged UT property at Sutherland Apartments Wednesday, was allegedly set by two juveniles, according to Detective Emily Lambert of the UT Police Department.

Lambert said the case remains under investigation and damage was minimal.

“It was intentionally set,” Lambert said. “But, I believe they were playing.”

The apartment had been uninhabited for several months, perhaps for as long as six months.

On the afternoon of the crime, the juveniles made their way into the room either by breaking in or going through an unlocked door and set the fire, Lambert said. The suspects then used items in the room to assist them in the arson. Two small fires were started, one in the closet and the other on the stove.

The apparent young age of the suspects has complicated the investigation.

“Two juveniles are suspects in that case,” Lambert said, adding that she would have to speak to the district attorney on how the case would be handled.

“Generally speaking, juveniles between the ages of 12 and 17 can be taken to juvenile detention,” she said.

Sutherland Apartments are located on Sutherland Avenue and consist of 13 three-story buildings with a total of 420 apartments. To live in the apartments, a person must be either married, a single parent with children, a graduate or professional student or an undergraduate at least 21 years of age.

The apartment that was burned was Apartment F, Room 102.