Staff at the Coneygear Centre are reeling after a section of the Coneygaer Park in Huntingdon was "destroyed" in a double arson attack.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service believe both fires were caused by deliberate ignitions in the bushes, and the police are investigating the incident as a crime.
“It’s soul-destroying to see our beautiful park harmed in such a dangerous way," said Shilpa Desai-Sakaldip, the Coneygear Centre manager.
"The park is well-used by all ages, including families with small children and the elderly.
"The people responsible for this damage have not only put so many lives at risk but also destroyed a section of a valuable community asset."
The fires were set on July 7, and the first blaze was discovered by the caretaker at the centre, Alan Matthews, who rushed out with a fire extinguisher to tackle the flames.
The size of the fire meant he had to return to the centre for a second extinguisher before, eventually, the fire service arrived and used a hose reel to extinguish the rest of the blaze.
However, within minutes of leaving, the crew were then called back to the area after a second fire was started, which they also extinguished.
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Alan, also the facilities operative at the centre, said: “It was just natural instinct to put the flames out. I was more concerned about making sure that no one got hurt.
"A member of the public had already called the emergency services so I could concentrate on the fire, and another member of the public also helped until the fire services arrived.
"It’s just a shame that a few people have spoiled it for so many.”
A spokesperson for the fire service commented: "Arson is a serious crime and can have severe consequences for those that start a fire, no matter how big or how small it is.
"Not only this, but any fire presents significant risks for anyone around the area if it gets out of hand.”
Anyone with any information is urged to report it to the police online at www.cambs.police.uk/report and quote 35/51960/23. Those without internet access should call 101.
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