UPDATE: Fire Erupts at Wantagh Elementary School Playground

A playground at caught fire late Monday morning in what district officials say appears to have been caused by the playing of fireworks.

The responded to extinguish the flames, which broke out in the rear of the playground in the back of the school located on Beech Street. Fire officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Philip D'Angelo said from information he has gathered, the fire appears to have been started as a result of people playing playing with fireworks behind the playground. He said the playground is now closed and will not reopen until proper repairs are made.

"We are working as diligently as we can to quick get the playground fixed and get it reopened but obviously we want to ensure the safety of the children of our community so we need to close it for now," D'Angelo said. "We are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and looking to see who may be responsible for it." 

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