Teens front court over Black Saturday fire Two teenagers charged over the devastating Bendigo Black Saturday fire that killed a man have been granted bail in a Victorian children's court.

This morning a 15-year-old and 14-year-old boy were arrested by Taskforce Phoenix detectives.

Both are charged with arson causing death for allegedly lighting a fire in a dry creek bed at Maiden Gully, near Bendigo, on the afternoon of Black Saturday.

The court heard the fire quickly spread south-east and claimed the life of Kevin Michael Cane.

Police allege the Maiden Gully fire caused in excess of $23 million damage to private property and Crown land.

The magistrate ordered that the court be closed to the media and the public due to the nature of the charges, the defendants' age and the need to minimise any stigma.

The magistrate granted the boys bail, subject to strict conditions, including that they obey a curfew and do not attend bushlands.

It is nearly a year since the fire which killed Mr Cane and destroyed 58 homes.


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