Auburn police detectives have charged a 14-year-old male in connection with a fire that significantly damaged a house at 27 Mann St., Auburn, on Friday.

Auburn Police Detective Chris McLoughlin said the APD could not release many details about the case because of the defendant's age, but the arrest was made based on interviews.

The juvenile was charged Saturday with fourth-degree arson, a felony, and placed in a juvenile detention facility pending a hearing.

The fire, which broke out around noon Friday, proved difficult for firefighters, the Auburn Fire Department reported. A backdraft caused a window to explode as they approached the home, and a large amount of household items in the attic fueled the blaze.

In addition, the AFD said, the house had gaping holes throughout the structure, allowing the walls to catch on fire. Firefighters were tearing down the walls to get to those areas.

According to the county real property office and the fire department, the home is owned by Kandy L. Stroup and occupied by her and four children.