LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – Lakeland Fire Department investigators are trying to figure out who purposely set playground equipment on fire. The suspicious fire happened at the Westside Park, 1800 Oakhill St., just after 5 p.m. Monday.

The area was packed with children moments before that fire broke out.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they found the plastic playground equipment burning to the ground. They were able to bring it under control within 30-45 minutes, officials said.

Officials believe a group of children between ages 8 and 12 may have started the fire.

“I was scared because I thought my brother was there,” said El’Draysai Atkins who saw the flames and called 9-1-1. “But it was like a big fire. I thought it was going to be everywhere.”

“I wish I could find who that was because that was stupid for them to do,” Atkins added.

The amount of smoke even caught firefighters by surprise.

“They thought it was actually a home burning,” Lakeland Fire Department Investigator John McGrath said. “That’s how much smoke was being put out by this burning equipment.”

The biggest problem firefighters faced was the rubber matting on the ground, which is designed to ensure kids don’t fall. “It burns with a lot of energy,” McGrath said. “It burns with a lot of heat and it’s also hard to put out.”

McGrath said this could have been much worse. “Oh sure,” he told News Channel 8. “There could have been some severe injuries without a doubt.”

Kids watched as the playground burned to the ground. “Lots of smoke,” Jaquavious Harrison said. “It was like a big fire.”

Now, they’re left to look at slabs of broken-up concrete. “It was sad,” Harrison said. “I was mad because my little brother can’t play at the park anymore.”

Anna Cruz’s kids were at the park at the time. She panicked. “I was scared,” Cruz recalled. “I was scared.”

But then came that sigh of relief when she realized no one, including her stepson, got hurt. “I was happy,” she told News Channel 8.

Many children in the neighborhood surrounding the park told News Channel 8 they know who did it.

Meanwhile, fire investigators say they have talked with school resource officers.

The case remains under investigation. If anyone has any information, call fire investigators at (863) 834-8201.

The fire caused anywhere from $250,000 – $350,000 in damage. The city is not sure when the playground will be rebuilt.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW: