Dunedin police and Lookout Point firefighters were called to the school early yesterday after two large tractor tyres in the playground were set on fire.
Firefighters spent 40 minutes dousing the toxic blaze. Fortunately, the fire was not near any school buildings, Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken, of Dunedin, said.
Principal Clark Bragg was angry with the culprits, because they had destroyed a valued source of fun and entertainment for pupils.
‘‘It's really disappointing - especially for the children. They loved those big tyres.''
Mr Bragg said there had been much water damage, the wood chips would have to be replaced and a new piece of playground equipment would need to be bought to fill the hole.
A crane and truck had also been hired to remove the tyres and take them to the landfill.
‘‘In all, the fire has cost the school close to $2000. Schools are struggling financially already. This is the last thing we needed.''
Snr Sgt Aitken said police had no leads on the culprit and appealed to the public for information.
