Three teenagers are facing arson charges, accused of setting fire to a detention facility and causing significant damage.

Police were called to the Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Tasmania around 3pm on Sunday after reports of a disturbance involving three armed youths.

The trio, two aged 16 and one 15, allegedly set fire to a building while police were there. No one was injured.

They were charged on Monday with arson and destroying property and were scheduled to appear in a youth court.

A Tasmania Fire Service investigator and police forensic officers returned on Monday to the centre, which suffered "significant" damage to one area.

The centre's kitchen had been closed and the government was working with staff to ensure services and meals could be provided, Police Minister Felix Ell

See Full Page