I was wondering about that myself. The idea of a couple of kids, out in high winds (if you will remember), lighting fires that surrounded the town, according to reports... doesn't make sense.

No, this sounds like deliberate arson set by people old enough to know better and know how to cause maximum damage, and with a motive for doing it.

Kids out to set something on fire are more likely to set an old shed on fire, and then the fire spreads.