MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Local fire departments say they’ve responded to what appears to be two playground arson fires over the weekend.
The first fire occurred around 3 p.m. Saturday on the 1500 block of 30th Avenue North. The Minneapolis Fire Department responded to the fire, which was outside a school on the playground.
The playground equipment and mulch beneath it were fully engulfed and a number of windows were broken at the school, according to reports. The estimated damage is at least $60,000.
Authorities say the area smelled like gasoline and combustible gas was detected around the metal slide posts.
There were no injuries reported. Officials were able to determine the fire was set intentionally.
Then, the following day, another playground fire was reported in Brooklyn Park. According to the Brooklyn Fire Department, the fire began around 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Park Brook Elementary School.
Upon arrival, crews found a large fire on the play structure at the school. The playground equipment was destroyed and the fire was ruled suspicious.
Brooklyn Park authorities and the Minneapolis Fire Department are looking into a possible connection between the two fires.
