Plastic playgrounds attracting arsonists
CLOVIS, CA
Arsonists have ignited plastic play equipment and rubber padding
at three Clovis parks in the past two years. Fire also damaged a
fourth playground. Authorities estimate the total damage at
$110,000.
In Fresno, an April playground fire will likely cost the city at
least $50,000.
Efforts to make playgrounds more accessible for the disabled
have led cities to replace metal equipment with plastic.
State waste management officials have encouraged the replacement
of sand at playgrounds with rubber padding made from shredded
tires, which burns more easily than other materials.
