A fire at a Claresholm playground is under investigation.

At around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Claresholm Fire Department was called to Amundsen Park.

Luckily, the fire wasn't able to spread far due to the materials used in its construction.

"What I've been told from our Public Works superintendent is that it's a synthetic wood chip material that is treated with a fire-inhibiting material that would limit the spread as opposed to normal tree mulch," says Claresholm Fire Chief Craig White.

According to White, fire personnel made quick work of it, with help from some locals.

"We did have the assistance of some bystanders with fire extinguishers that had attended the scene before fire crews arrived. They definitely helped keep it from spreading and keeping it small until fire crews could get there, so we thank the citizens for their efforts in minimizing the damage to the equipment and surrounding area."

claresholm park fireThe playground is cordoned off for the time being. (Image courtesy of the Town of Claresholm)

They haven't yet calculated the cost of the damage to the play structure, which has only been standing for about a year.

The Caresholm RCMP detachment is assisting with the investigation.

The playground is currently closed off and the Town has contacted the playground manufacturer to inquire about replacement parts.

Anyone with information or footage from the incident is asked to call the RCMP at (403) 625-4444.

Tips can be anonymously submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app.