A late-night fire at Nevitt Park in South Phoenix left the neighborhood playground scorched and closed off Wednesday, with slides and a shade canopy visibly charred and the entire play area off-limits to families. City parks staff discovered the blaze and called in emergency crews. Phoenix police say the incident is under active investigation. Authorities reported no injuries and said no children were at the playground when the fire started. The park sits in a residential stretch near Baseline Road and 48th Street.
Crews And Investigators On Scene
According to 12News, Phoenix Parks personnel contacted both the Phoenix Fire Department and Phoenix Police Department after spotting the fire, and the fire department's Arson Task Force responded to the scene. Photos published with the report show playground equipment with heavy burn damage and nearby shade fabric blackened and singed. Police told reporters the investigation is ongoing as detectives and fire investigators comb the site for evidence.
Where It Happened
Nevitt Park is listed by the City of Phoenix as a neighborhood park at 6815 S. 44th Way, near Baseline Road and 48th Street. The city directory notes a playground and shade canopy among the park's amenities, the very features local images now show damaged by the flames.
Investigation Details
Phoenix police told 12News that there were no reported injuries and that no arrests have been made as detectives canvass the neighborhood for witnesses and surveillance footage. Investigators from the Phoenix Fire Department's arson unit were on scene to help determine whether the blaze was intentionally set or accidental. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact police so detectives can follow up.
Park Fires Around The Valley
Fires at playgrounds and park structures have cropped up elsewhere in the Phoenix metro in recent years, creating costly repairs and safety concerns for families. For example, ABC15 reported a case in Peoria in which a suspect was taken into custody after a playground fire that caused extensive damage.
City and police officials say they will release updates as the probe continues. Hoodline will update this story when authorities provide more information or the city posts a repair timeline for Nevitt Park.
