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Teen girl charged with arson after Airdrie playground fire

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Teenage girl charged in Airdrie playground fire
WATCH: RCMP say a 14-year-old girl is facing charges after a play structure in Airdrie was set on fire on Thursday evening. Matthew Conrod has details – Aug 16, 2019

RCMP say a 14-year-old girl is facing charges after a playground in Airdrie, Alta., was set on fire on Thursday evening.

The Airdrie Fire Department was called to A.E. Bowers Elementary School at around 7 p.m. When they arrived, firefighters found the playground engulfed in flames and thick, black smoke coming from the play structure.

A portion of an Airdrie playground was destroyed by a fire on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019. Global News
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Fire officials told Global News the base of the playground is made of recycled tires that give off toxic smoke when burnt.

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RCMP said no one was injured, but a portion of the playground was completely destroyed.

“Several witnesses on scene were able to provide our members there with a detailed description [of the offender],” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Ron Bumbry said. “Shortly after, an arrest was made, and the youth was taken into custody.”
A portion of an Airdrie playground was destroyed by a fire on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019. Tim Webber / Global News
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The girl, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is charged with arson, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

She has been released from police custody with a court date scheduled for Sept. 19.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Airdrie Fire Department.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or contact Crime Stoppers.

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