Old Orchard Beach authorities say juveniles who were setting off fireworks ignited a dune grass fire just after midnight Saturday.
Fire Chief Ed Dube said that by the time fire crews and police officers arrived at the fire off Seacliff Avenue, the juveniles had fled. A large group of people who had assembled on the beach told emergency responders that the juveniles were responsible.
Dube said the arrival of fire and police officers was delayed by a passing freight or Amtrak train. The fire call was received at 12:02 a.m. Sunday.
The fire, which destroyed an area of dune grass measuring 150 by 50 feet, was quickly brought under control and no homes were threatened, according to Dube.
Dube said the matter is being investigated by the Old Orchard Beach Police Department. No one had been arrested as of Sunday evening.
Dube said beach dune grass was set on fire twice on the night of July Fourth by people setting off fireworks.
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