Safford-Graham County Sheriff’s Office reported that three teenagers admitted to starting a fire that destroyed a playground at the Graham County Fairgrounds on Friday.
The sheriff’s deputy said the fire was called at 3:39 p.m., but the sheriff’s deputy had already been dispatched due to the large amount of black smoke in the area.
There they found three teenagers, two aged 13 and one aged 14. The teens tried to put out the fire with dirt, but strong winds moved the fire eastward and kept the flames going.
The Safford Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene and put out the fire. An estimate of the damage has not yet been compiled.
Parents of teens have been notified.
“Thankfully, no one was seriously injured,” Graham County Supervisor Danny Smith told Gila Valley Central.
“Ironically, we have budgeted over $250,000 to upgrade our playground, adding solid rubberized surfaces, equipment, walkways and drinking fountains,” he continued. “We have insurance so we can get it back in better shape soon.
“Thanks to Safford Fire for always being so responsive. Lucky to have them.”
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