Four Minors Charged in Mazie B. Hall Tot Lot Fire

have charged four young people, ages 8-15, in connection with a at Mazie B. Hall Park in Wayne.

but police have now charged four minors with criminal mischief in connection with the July 18 fire.

High ranking police sources told Patch last week that investigators had gotten outstanding cooperation from the community during what a police press release classifies as an arson investigation. There are no arson charges in the case. The press release issued Wednesday afternoon reiterates that "the investigation also revealed that the fire was accidentally set and not intentional as initially thought."

, the fire was started by kids who set a campfire on the rubberized material on the ground around the playset. Despite thininking they had extinguised the fire, embers apparently smoldered for several hours before the rubberized cushion material erupting in flames.

Each of the youths faces one count of criminal mischief. Their names have not been released.

Police estimate the damage to the tot lot at $65,000. Township officials told Patch last month that the damage was covered by insurance.

The police statement does not indicate if the arrests would change the insurance claims or whether the township will now seek restitution in the case.

Patch will continue to follow developments in the case and the replacement of the equipment at the park.