Overview

• Joseph Martinez, 29, was taken into custody on May 26 after officers observed him igniting materials near La Playa and Balboa streets
• Police charged Martinez with arson, possession of an incendiary device, methamphetamine possession and related offenses
• Four playground blazes between May 1 and May 21 damaged equipment at Lafayette Elementary School and Lincoln Park Playground
• Detectives from the San Francisco Police Department are collaborating with the Fire Department’s Arson Task Force to link Martinez to the series of fires
• The Recreation and Parks Department will clear the destroyed play areas before rebuilding the facilities, pending equipment availability