Teens say burning of love letter led to school playground fire
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Two teens are accused of starting a fire at the Bowman Elementary School playground. (Bowman Elementary School)
A case of burning love caused thousands of dollars in damage at a school playground in Alaska on Tuesday.
Anchorage police said a fire from lit paper ignited rubber mulch and spread to two pieces of playground equipment, destroying both.
After speaking to witnesses and reviewing surveillance video, police interviewed two 18-year-olds.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The teens told investigators that they burned a love letter Tuesday night from an ex-girlfriend on the playground at Bowman Elementary School and left.
Police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro said investigators recommended charges of criminal mischief, criminal negligent burning and failure to control or report a fire.
Online court documents Wednesday morning did not indicate formal charges had been filed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rubber mulch is used on the playground to cushion falls. School district spokeswoman Heidi Embley said damage is estimated at $20,000.