Playground Arson Burns Up $100K in City Equipment: Fire Marshal

ABERDEEN, MD — Playground equipment torched at a city park Thursday afternoon is being investigated as arson, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. There is a $500 reward for information in the case.

At 12:04 p.m. on Thursday, a neighbor alerted authorities that there was a fire e in the area of Victory Park, on Victory Street at Chesapeake Court.

A witness reported to police that juveniles were at the park minutes before playground equipment was engulfed in flames. Four suspects were seen leaving the scene, authorities said.

Within 10 minutes, the Aberdeen Fire Department extinguished the blaze.

Investigators determined the blaze was intentionally set and originated in the sliding board assembly.

The fire marshal said the arson caused $100,000 in damage to equipment at the playground, which is owned and maintained by the city of Aberdeen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Bel Air, at 410-836-4844.

Callers may remain anonymous by calling the Arson Hotline at 1-800-492-7529.

Photo Credit: Aberdeen Police Department.