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Two playground fires under investigation in Rockford

Fire officials said they believe both fires were set intentionally. Now the school district is working to replace both playgrounds before school starts.
Playground fire

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — Fire officials in Rockford are investigating blazes at two playgrounds that destroyed more than $300,000 of new equipment.

The Rockford Register Star reports Rockford Fire Department officials believe both fires were set intentionally. The first fire was June 18 at West View Elementary School, destroying about $153,000 of new playground equipment. The second fire was set at about 7 p.m. Monday at McIntosh Elementary School, destroying $157,000 worth of equipment.

Rockford school district officials say they’re working to increase security at playgrounds, including adding and upgrading cameras. District officials say they’re hoping to replace both playgrounds before school starts.

School Board President Ken Scrivano says the board is “saddened and disturbed” by the fires. He says they find it “hard to believe that someone would want to intentionally destroy a playground for children.”

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