LINDEN —Two boys age 11 and 13 have been arrested for a fire that destroyed a playground, doing $80,000 worth of damage.

Linden Police said the juveniles were questioned after neighbors identified them to police as being in the Wales Park when the fire started on Sunday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. The boys, both from Linden, were charged with second-degree arson and third-degree criminal mischief, and released to their parents pending an appearance in juvenile court.

Firefigters arrived to find plumes of black smoke rising from the playground on Curtis Street.

“Our entire community is committed to keeping our parks safe and welcoming for our children. The swiftness of this investigation is a direct result of the cooperation between private citizens and Police," Linden Police Captain William Turbett said.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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