Three boys have been charged in connection with a strip mall fire in Brampton that caused more than $1 million in damage.

Emergency officials were called to the mall, located at 160 Main St. S., near Queen Street East, at about 6:15 p.m. Thursday.

The blaze quickly spread through the basement units, but all of the building's employees were able to get out in time. No injuries were reported.

Police said three boys -- aged 13, 14 and 15 -- had broken into the mall and deliberately set the fire.

The suspects were caught at about 8 p.m. and charged with arson and breaking and entering. They were released into the custody of their parents pending their court dates in June.

Authorities said structural damage to the building and damage to merchandise is more than $1 million.

The entire mall is still without electricity, which has forced the stores to remain closed, police said.

The plaza will be closed for two to three days while engineers and city officials determine the extent of the structural damage caused by the blaze.

The retailers that were hardest hit include Shoppers Drug Mart, Movie Experts and Brampton Home Furnishing, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 905-453-2121 ext. 2233 or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).