Niagara police’s arson unit now investigates school playground fire

Niagara police’s arson unit is now investigating a fire at a school playground in Lincoln that caused over $50,000 in damages last week.

Emergency crews responded to Jacob Beam Public School shortly after 10 a.m. on Aug. 23 for reports of a fire near the playground equipment.

The Town of Lincoln Fire Department extinguished the blaze, which investigators believe started between 10 and 10:15 a.m.

While there are no suspects at this time, police say they are looking to speak with two potential witnesses seen in the area of the school around the time of the fire.

READ MORE: Police seek witnesses after Lincoln playground fire causes $50K in damages

Investigators say the two girls between the ages of 16 and 18 were seen entering a maroon-coloured sedan. One of the girls had long blonde hair and was wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Niagara police say they now believe the fire was “deliberately started to cause criminal damage.”

“It is requested that parents of teenage children in the Beamsville area inquire with their children if they observed any social media posts that showed or referenced the damage,” investigators say in a press release Thursday.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact police by dialing 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009023.

READ MORE: Police seek suspects in assault of 3 people after large Thorold party