Police say an 11-year-old was arrested and charged with arson last week after a Rutherford playground burned down March 24.

According to some Rutherford residents, many children in the area were scared and saddened by the playground fire and parents were shocked to hear a child may be responsible. Police say several witnesses pointed them to the 11-year-old, who was brought in for questioning with his parents just a few hours after the fire.

The fire marshal says the playground's man-made materials, which are designed to cushion children in case they fall, burn very quickly and at very hot temperatures. Firefighters were able to keep the flames from spreading to Lincoln School.

Police say the 11-year-old was charged as a juvenile.