By the time they arrived, most of the plastic-coated playground equipment was in flames, along with the rubber matting and some trees.
"It took us a little longer to put it out because of the rubber and plastic involved," said Garden Grove Fire Captain Cory Chalmers. "This obviously was arson because there's no reason for a playground to combust and catch on fire."
Firefighters knocked down the flames in 10 minutes and there were no injuries. Investigators sealed off the area Wednesday night and took pictures of the damage.
The playground is adjacent to Faylane Elementary School. Students often play in the park after school. "This is unfortunate, " said Public Works foreman Patricia Hayes. "It hurts everyone."
Hayes said funds will have to be found for repairs. The rubber matting alone costs $15 per square foot.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Garden Grove Fire Department's arson investigator at (714) 741-5600.
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES FROM ORANGE COUNTY
USEFUL LINKS:
SEND TIP || REPORT TYPO || TWEET @abc7 || WIDGET
