Furniture Fires at Ohio Playground Blamed on Arson

Investigators have determined two pieces of furniture were intentionally set on fire near a basketball court and playground at a northeast Ohio park, damaging equipment that could cost $80,000 or more to replace.

Fire officials say someone set a couch on fire near a basketball court Sunday evening in Massillon, about 50 miles south of Cleveland. Later that evening, firefighters dealt with a blaze that apparently began when someone ignited another couch or chair at a nearby playground structure that included plastic slides.

It wasn’t clear where the furniture originated.

No injuries were reported from the fires.

Massillon Fire Chief Tom Burgasser says investigators believe at least one of the blazes was started by juveniles. He says arson charges are possible if a suspect is identified.