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Two Minors Charged For Setting Auburn Playground Fire
By: Mike Stiles - Thursday, July 10, 2025

(photo courtesy of Auburn Police Department)

(AUBURN) – The Auburn Police Department says two minors intentionally set a fire at an Auburn playground.

At 3:44 PM on July 3, DeKalb County first responders were called to a fire at a playground near the Auburn Crossing Mobile Home Park. The blaze was quickly put out, and the Auburn Police and the Indiana Fire Marshal’s Office started investigating the fire.

During the investigation, authorities say they discovered two juveniles arrived at the playground at 3:30 PM, and were seen ducking under a plastic playset. One of the two then lit some note cards on fire with a cigarette lighter, then placed the cards into a cylinder next to the plastic. The juveniles stayed for a minute and then left.

Witnesses say they saw smoke and eventually flames, which ignited the plastic playset and then the fire spread to the rubber mulch along the ground.

Several tips and videos were sent to the police who were able to identify the juveniles. They and their parents were brought in for questioning, after after lying to officers, the juveniles both made full confessions.

Juvenile charges are being sent to the DeKalb County Prosecutor’s Office.

The estimated total cost for the repair to the playground is just over $75,000.



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