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Mysterious arson attack sees 10 fires ignited across New York’s Central Park

Blazes left Central Park skyline shrouded in smoke on Tuesday afternoon

Bevan Hurley
Wednesday 09 March 2022 15:37 GMT
Firefighters battle several blazes in Central Park on Tuesday
Firefighters battle several blazes in Central Park on Tuesday (Ross Kenneth Urken)

An arsonist is suspected of starting as many as 10 small brush fires in New York’s Central Park on Tuesday.

Up to 60 FDNY firefighters fought the blazes in the North Woods, the largest wooded area of the park, which left the park’s famous skyline shrouded in smoke.

Police say a suspect was seen lighting fires between West 107th St and Central Park West just before 2pm.

Patches of the North Woods, which is popular with bird watchers, were left scorched from the burning mulch and leaves.

While some shrubbery was left charred, no trees were damaged, the Central Park Conservancy said.

The NYPD is investigating whether there is any link to a separate fire started deliberately at around 7am on Tuesday in Central Park.

No description of either suspect was released by police.

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