Hartford playground fire allegedly set by two boys, police said

Two boys were charged with allegedly setting a fire at a playground in Hartford on Tuesday, according to the Hartford Police Department.

Firefighters responded to a fire at a playground at Cronin Park on Granby Street in Hartford around noon on Tuesday. Fire officials say a large tire was on fire and it spread to the playscape area. The playscape sustained heavy damage that “ultimately rendered the playscape unusable,” according to police and fire officials.

The Hartford Police Department said Wednesday that investigators determined the fire was intentionally set by a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy who had allegedly rolled a large truck tire under the playscape and set it ablaze.

The boys were both charged as juveniles with reckless burning, risk of injury and reckless endangerment. They were each released into the custody of a parent, police said Wednesday afternoon.

No injuries were reported to patrons or firefighters as a result of the fire, officials said.

The investigation was still ongoing, and anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Hartford police tip line at 860-722-8477.