Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department officials are asking for the public’s assistance with information regarding a playground fire that occurred late Monday afternoon at the Parkside Housing Complex located at 524 Vaughn Street.
“We definitely have reason to believe this fire was intentionally set,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Bartlett. “One of the indicators was the speed at which the fire progressed,” he added.
Bartlett says the fire is under investigation and footage from on-site cameras will be reviewed in the days ahead, but there are currently no leads.
The playground, located in an alcove between two apartment buildings, was a complete loss.
If you have any information regarding the fire, please contact MFRD’s Fire Marshals’ Office at 615-849-2605 or Rutherford County Crime Stoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867) Monday through Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Callers will remain anonymous and cash rewards of up to $1,000 are offered for information leading to the arrest of persons of interest. You may also contact the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017 for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
Original Release 2-25-19
Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department crews were dispatched to a commercial fire at 524 Vaughn Street just before 4:30 Monday afternoon.
Crews arrived on scene to find the playground of Parkside Housing Complex fully engulfed in flames.
According to Battalion Chief Jamie Bigelow, flames were shooting almost 20 feet high and threatening to spread to buildings on either side of the playground.
Bigelow said the materials on fire were mostly plastic playground equipment and rubber mulch.
Fortunately firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and contain it to the playground area. No structures were damaged in the housing complex. Np injuries were associated with this incident.
Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Bartlett is on scene conducting an investigation. The cause is unknown at this time.
More information will be released as it becomes available.