WASHINGTON – A playground that was set on fire and destroyed in March is back open in Laurel, Md.
The grand reopening of Discovery Community Park at Greenhill and Harrison Drives was held Monday evening.
It’s good news, but the city has seen a string of arsons in recent months, and that string is getting longer.
“Two recent fires in Laurel have been deemed as arson, and they will be added to the list of fires currently under investigation,” says Mark Brady with Prince George’s County Fire and EMS.
One fire happened Thursday afternoon.
“Some playground equipment in the 14100 block of Bowsprit Lane was set on fire,” Brady says, causing an estimated $1,000 worth of damage.
Another fire happened just after midnight the next day, at the now vacant former Bay N’ Surf Restaurant in the 14400 block of Baltimore Avenue.
“Fire investigators believe there are similarities to seven other fires,” says Brady.
That makes nine arsons in the Laurel area this year that may be linked.
The City of Laurel is offering a $10,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.
If you have information call 301-77-ARSON (301-772- 7766).
For more information about the previous fire and the award, read an earlier report here from WTOP.
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