Four juveniles charged in connection with Aberdeen playground fire

Four juveniles have been charged in connection with a fire on Aug. 18 that extensively damaged a playground at Aberdeen's Victory Street Park.The arrests and charges were announced Thursday night by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, which investigated the fire with the Aberdeen Police Department.Investigators determined the fire was set intentionally at the sliding board assembly, the Fire Marshal's Office said in a news release. The fire quickly spread to the playground equipment and rubberized mulch surface, the latter which the city had installed just two days earlier.Although the responding Aberdeen Fire Department had the fire contained in about 10 minutes, estimates of the damage to the playground range between $80,000 and $120,000.Will Reiber, a spokesperson for the Aberdeen Police, noted the playground materials were &quot;highly flammable&quot; and made for &quot;a perfect storm&quot; to create a &quot;fast-moving fire.&quot;&quot;We're asking parents to have a conversation with their kids about the dangers of fire and the finality of their actions&quot; if they set a fire, Reiber said Friday.According to the Fire Marshal's Office, the subsequent investigation revealed four juveniles, ages 14, 13, 10 and 9 years old, allegedly are responsible for starting the fire.The four have been released to the custody of their respective parents pending actions by Harford County Juvenile Services. Each juvenile was charged with first-degree malicious burning and malicious destruction of property, the Fire Marshal's Office said.The fire has upset the East Aberdeen community where the playground is located.&quot;A selfish act can deprive so many of something that is enjoyed by all,&quot; Reiber said.The city government offered a $500 reward for information leading to arrests, which was later matched by an Aberdeen businessman.Mayor Patrick McGrady said the playground will be rebuilt. The equipment was insured, according to McGrady, and some donations have been received from the community in the past week.City Manager Randy Robertson said Friday that city leaders plan to meet with Aberdeen Proving Ground officials early next week regarding a donation of playground equipment set to be decommissioned at the Edgewood Area of the post.Insurance money should cover &quot;the majority&quot; of restoration costs, and donations of money have been coming in from people inside and outside of Aberdeen, including individuals and businesses, according to Robertson.&quot;We can not only have the park rebuilt comparably, but possibly make some improvements,&quot; Robertson said.The city manager said a firm timeline for rebuilding has not been established yet, but he noted the mayor and City Council have stated it is &quot;a top priority for the city.&quot;&quot;There's a very distinct sense of urgency to get something going and continued to flesh it out as time and money will allow,&quot; he said.Donations can be paid by check made out to the City of Aberdeen, and mailed to City Hall at 60 N. Parke St., Aberdeen, MD 21001. Donations should be earmarked for the Victory Park Playground Restoration Fund.&quot;It's much needed and it will all be earmarked for the restoration efforts,&quot; Reiber said.Meeting with East Aberdeen residents Thursday evening to discuss crime and other issues, Aberdeen Police Chief Henry Trabert said he expected a positive conclusion to the investigation.&quot;The Fire Marshal's Office has the lead investigation on that,&quot; Trabert said in response to a resident's question about the fire. &quot;They are doing a very good job, they are talking to people right now who may be involved, or are very good witnesses to what happened.&quot;

Four juveniles charged in connection with Aberdeen playground fire

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