(8/13/07 - ARLINGTON, TX) -- Fire that destroyed a school playground in Arlington led district officials to close 20 others for safety reasons.
Officials blame last Thursday's fire on spontaneous combustion of the decomposing wood fiber surface of the playground at Anderson Elementary School.
Security video from the school showed the fire breaking out, with no sign of arson or other vandalism.
Authorities say recent heavy rain left some material soaked, then it began decomposing in this month's hot weather. Superintendent Mac Bernd says pea gravel will replace the wood chips on those playgrounds.
The changes are expected to be made within two weeks, as Texas children prepare to return to classes August 27th.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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