Ring of fire

Creepy fire: Elementary school playground burned to a crisp in suspected arsonattack

Firefighters in Magnoloia were called to a mysterious playground fire Mondayevening.
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Fire Department
The blaze left thousands of dollars worth of damage in its wake.
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Fire Department
Officials with the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office suspect arson andhave launched an investigation.
Photo courtesy of Magnolia Fire Department

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office is investigating a case that could be ripped from the pages of a Nancy Drew novel after a mysterious blaze damaged thousands of dollars worth of play equipment at Smith Elementary School in Magnolia.

Early assessments of the damage point to arson.

Firefighters arrived at the scene just before 7 p.m. Monday night to find a smoldering ring of fire quickly swallowing up what was surely a beloved schoolyard landmark. Officials immediately called for another tanker to help contain what the Montgomery County Police Reporter called a "controlled burn."

Firefighters arrived to find a smoldering ring of fire swallowing up what was surely a beloved schoolyard landmark

Constable David Hill of Precinct 5 — which assisted with initial investigations — told CultureMap that no people were spotted near or around the blaze when firefighters arrived. Following a Tuesday morning inspection of the charred playground, he said the entire case has been turned over to the Fire Marshal's Office.

Officials with Smith Elementary were unable to be reached for comment. The Fire Marshal's Office expects to release further details by mid-week.

Now, really . . . What kind of creep sets fire to a playground?

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Ring of fire

Creepy fire: Elementary school playground burned to a crisp in suspected arsonattack

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