MELFORT—The Melfort RCMP is asking for information regarding a fire, followed by an aerosol can explosion, at the Reynolds Central School playground.
On June 30, at 9:03 pm, Melfort Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a fire under a play structure at Reynolds Central School. While enroute, an additional call was received indicating an explosion was also heard from the vicinity of the play area.
“There were reported to be children playing with fire under a play structure at one of our elementary schools,” said Jason Everitt, Melfort’s fire chief. “They were utilizing an aerosol can as well, and the aerosol can failed catastrophically resulting in the explosion that witnesses have heard.”
Witnesses reported seeing several youth running from the area after the explosion.
No damage was sustained to any of the play structures. Injuries are unknown, as those responsible failed to remain at the scene.
Everitt said the possibility for injury was “significant”.
“We hope that none of the kids were injured, but that can happen when they’re playing with fire, especially with aerosol cans that are under pressure.”
If anyone has information on this event, the Melfort detachment of the RCMP can be reached at 306-752-6420.
“Be aware of what your children are up to,” Everitt said. “Even for the general public, once they recognized children were playing with fire they called it in right away. Which was good, so they reported it.
“That’s what we need to do as a community – keep an eye on what’s happening and make sure if you see something outside of the ordinary, report it right away. That’s what happened in this case.”
