Juveniles Reportedly Responsible For Fire At Florence Park

Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes said the incident is the latest in a series of acts of vandalism at the park.

Several juveniles are accused of igniting a fire at a Florence playground.

The flames started in mulch in the play area at Iola Jones Park on the city’s north side. The three minors are between the ages of nine and 11. They were spotted fleeing the scene.

The flames caused minor damages. Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes said the incident is the latest in a series of acts of vandalism at the park. She noted that the other nearby equipment and structures could have caught fire if a passerbyer didn’t notify police of the flames.

Barnes stressed the importance of accountability, stating that if there is a cost, parents will be civilly liable to pay for the damages. The three juveniles involved in the incident will have to appear before a family court.