Fire destroys Mattydale-Hinsdale Little League pavilion, August 2010
/ File photo
SALINA -- A 15-year-old boy is charged with arson in a fire that destroyed a Town of Salina concession stand and pavilion.
Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies say the boy started the fire last August. His name is not being released due to his age.
The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. on August 30th at Burnham Park on Westwood Avenue. Firefighters arrived to find the Mattydale-Hinsdale Little League pavilion engulfed in flames.
Investigators now say the teenage boy used a cigarette to start the fire in a garbage can that was secured to the side of the pavilion. The damage exceeded $49,000. No one was hurt.
It was a devastating sight for children who love the park. Many of them volunteer at the concession stand, and the league depends on the money it brings in.
The teenager was issued an appearance ticket. This case will be handled in Onondaga County Family Court.
The town is in the final stages of reconstructing the concession stand and pavilion. It cost $92,000 to rebuild and should be ready for use by the end of the month.
Should the teen have to repay the town for the cost of reconstruction? What is an appropriate punishment? Leave your thoughts below.
