Teens charged for setting playground on fire, melting equipment in Maryland

ADAMSTOWN, Md. — Two teen brothers are facing charges in Maryland for allegedly setting their neighborhood playground on fire, causing over $200k in damages.

On June 29, just before 5 a.m., crews with Frederick County Fire and Rescue were sent to the Green Hill Park located on Decatur Drive in Adamstown for a reported fire involving playground equipment. 

Firefighters worked to put out the fire that resulted in significant damage to numerous pieces of equipment. The estimated cost of damages is $230,000. 

Detectives say that two teenage brothers, ages 14 and 15, are responsible for the damage. Police referred both brothers to the Department of Juvenile Services on charges of malicious burning and malicious destruction of property.

Investigators say the brothers lit tissues on fire and placed them under the equipment, causing the damage. They then took pictures of the destruction with their phones.

Pictures of the damage shared by police can be seen below.