Officials Investigating Haigh Playground Fire

UPDATE: SAU 57 Superintendent Michael Delahanty said there are other apparatus besides the burned playground for Haigh students to use in the wake of the fire that destroyed the wooden structure there.

Delahanty said Merrill Construction is removing the remnants of the fire after the school district got the go-ahead from Primex, the school's property liability insurer.

According to Delahanty the structure was more than 15 years old.

"My expectation is that it will be replaced," Delahanty said.

EARLIER STORY: Salem Fire and Police are investigating the suspected arson fire that destroyed the playground at Friday and are asking for help from the public.

Fire Marshal Jeff Emanuelson said Monday morning they have received reports from witnesses that juveniles were believed to be in that area about an hour before the fire was reported Friday evening at 9 p.m.

"That's consistent with about how long the fire had been burning," Emanuelson said.

According to Emanuelson, Salem Fire arrived on scene and found the wooden structure "well-involved" and it was quickly determined the blaze was "not accidental."

Emanuelson said the playground was mostly pressure-treated wood that was older but "very servicable" especially after it was re-finished and re-treated last year.

He estimated the fire caused between $10,000 to $15,000 worth of damage and completely destroyed the playground, which Emanuelson said is being removed Monday with students returning to class this week.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Salem Police at 603-893-1911 or Salem Fire at 603-890-2200.