TWO teenagers are expected to face criminal charges following a suspicious fire that has badly damaged a historic former hotel on Victoria's southwest coast.
The fire broke out at the former Criterion Hotel in Kepler Street, Warrnambool about 5.20pm yesterday.
About 65 CFA officers, including many from local brigades and specialist units from as far afield as Ballarat, took two hours to control the blaze, a CFA spokeswoman said.
Most of the damage was confined to the upper storey and roof. Fire cause investigators will examine the scene today.
Crews remained at the scene overnight.
A Victoria Police spokesman said police believed local youths started the fire. They questioned two boys, aged 13 and 14, on Sunday night.
A Victoria Police spokesman said the pair has been released and were expected to be charged on summons with either criminal damage or arson.
The former hotel had been a Warrnambool institution since it opened in 1872, and in recent years had been a popular live music venue until it closed in January 2008.
A $2-million plan was announced last month for a redevelopment of the building as offices.
