Playground fires in Hamilton

Police have called in an arson investigator after two east-mountain playgrounds went up in flames in Hamilton this weekend.

Officials say arson investigators are looking into the fires, which cost an estimated $70,000 in damage.

Early Monday morning, fire crews battled a blaze at Trenholme Park in the Upper Kenilworth and Limeridge Road East area.

City officials say the playground was damaged beyond repair and it will cost over $50,000 to replace.

And on Sunday morning, Elmar Park’s playground on Brigade Drive, near Upper Wenworth and Rymal Road East, went up in flames.

Fire officials say there were able to contain that blaze to the slide.

It’s estimated it will cost up to $20,000 to repair that equipment.

The weekend fires follow a Canada Day blaze at Templemead Park near Upper Ottawa and Stone Church Road East, where a swing was set on fire and cost $1,000 in damage.

The city is asking residents in the east mountain area to report any suspicious behaviour around playgrounds.