Only a pile of ash and burned lumber remains of the play-set in Riverdale allegedly set on fire by a young child on Thursday afternoon.
The Raymond Fire Department (RPD) responded to a small fire at 1710 Park Avenue in Raymond (area known as Riverdale) Thursday evening at 4:37 pm. A small play-set with a house, slide and swings was ablaze. The playhouse was about 8 feet high and 12 feet in diameter made of wood and plastic. Four children were playing when the fire was set by a young child. None of the children were injured.
The RPD responded with a fire truck, a support vehicle and the fire chief's vehicle. Seven firefighters were on the scene. Raymond Police Officer Rob Verboomen also responded to the fire.
"When we got the call it was initially a structure fire, but it was a playhouse in someone's yard," Raymond Fire Chief Todd Strozyk told the Herald. "We went out at 4:37 and we were back in at 5:08.
"It was a burned up plays-structure," Chief Strozyk said. "Due to adverse weather conditions it threatened the nearby house," Strozyk said. "A neighbor used a garden hose to keep it contained. It was burning when we got there. We knocked it down quick and put it out. Nobody needed to be rescued in the play-structure."
Raymond Police Chief Chuck Spoor told the Herald, "There were four kids (three girls and a boy) playing on the play-set and one of them set it on fire (possibly) with a lighter or matches.
"It hasn't been decided if charges will be filed," Chief Spoor said. "The case "is still under investigation right now and will be sent to the prosecutor (Mark McClain) next week."
The ages of the children are approximately 8-10.