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Fire in Kingsburg park melts playground equipment

Staff Report

A 13-year-old Kingsburg teenager has been arrested and sent to the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus on suspicion of starting a fire on playground equipment at a city park in Southwest Kingsburg. The fire, which occurred at Heritage Park -- located at 11th Court and Cody Lane -- was reported at 4:18 p.m. Aug. 24. According to Kingsburg Police Chief Jeff Dunn, estimated damage to the equipment is expected to exceed $40,000. As for the structure itself, it's still standing, but it isn't in playing condition.

"It's still there, it's just all melted and will need to be replaced," Dunn said.

As of now, the Kingsburg Police Department is currently investigating the fire with the Kingsburg Fire Department.

After that, the PD will turn the report over to the district attorney's office, at which point a decision will be made whether or not to file charges against the juvenile.

The teen is still being held at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus.

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Kelly DeElva wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:15 AM:

" I am the mother of the 13 year old that VERY ACCIDENTALLY started the fire that resulted in the melting of the play structure. Let me begin by informing you of a few very importatn details that were "left out" of the Staff Reporter's report.
1. My child had company. That young person was NOT arrested although very involved.
2. My child NEVER spent any time in the Juvenile Detention Facility. When I addressed this statement with Officer Gierke, he stated "Well, we didn't know if he had, when we gave our statement". Wow! So, he couldn't have told "the Press" "We don't know"? Again, Wow! This is a 13 year old child. This was an very unfortunate ACCIDENT. My child and I will pay dearly in consequences...But, to publish an article that implies intent to commit arson and state that "The teen is still being held at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus? That's CRAZY and WRONG! SO very wrong... "

my KIDS HAVE NO PLAYGROUND NOW wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:40 AM:

" HOW do you ACCIDENTALLY start a FIRE?? Regardless if your child didn't spend time in a juvenile detention he 1) should have and 2) you should be liable to pay the tab. ACCIDENT or NOT. I am tired of parents saying that their kids DIDN"T DO A THING. For god sakes how do you start a fire by accident? A 13 year old shouldn't have anything that STARTS a fire to BEGIN with. Please maybe you should read your statment and see how pathetic it looks. my son accidentally started the fire by accidentally playing with matches what is he three?? "

NO SYMPATHY wrote on Sep 9, 2008 10:41 AM:

" Whatever your child was doing when he "very accidentally" set the fire could NOT have been good. You and your child SHOULD suffer the consequences. This is the real world abd there ARE consequences for our actions! Instead of being mad at the recorder and police department....place the blame where it belongs. With YOUR child! "

Kevin wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:37 PM:

" What i would like to know is what is a 13 year old doing with matches or a lighter anyway.
and how can you accidentally light playground equipment on fire..unless you accidentally hold the fire there on the equipment until it catches fire? come on now.. "

susie wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:45 PM:

" This is the reason why there are so many kids with no respect for other peoples property..If the parents dont teach the kids respect they will always be doing stuff like this..It is a shame that now other children have no where else to play because of someones hatefulness..
And Mrs DeElva i dont think your child accidently set that playground equipment on fire..I dont know where you come off saying it was an accident..Accident is bad wireing and a house catches on fire..accident is when some one trips and falls and hurts themselve..but this was not an accident and i hope you will have to raise the money to replace that equipment..In the meantime teach your son respect..it will help him in his years to come.. "

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