There were 10 fires in Central Park in a couple of hours: authorities say an arson attempt

According to law enforcement officers, 10 small fires broke out in Central park March 8 in an apparent act of arson. Thick smoke enveloped the tall trees in the park, reports NBC New York.

Six to 14 fires appear to have started in North Woods, the largest of the park's three forested landscapes and birdwatching point, at around 00:107 p.m. Law enforcement sources said a man was seen setting fires in wooded areas near West XNUMXth Street and Central Park West.

Fire Service New York City confirms that it is fighting "numerous localized fires" (although law enforcement sources called them "garbage fires") in a park near 110th Street. Hotspots kept popping up as stubborn clouds of smoke and embers refused to die out into the evening.

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No injuries were reported. In the northern sections of the park, patches of scorched earth, burnt by fire, could be seen.

On guard Central Park, which manages the park, said checks showed no major damage. The burnt material included mulch and leaves, some shrubs were charred, but the trees were not damaged, the organization said.

Police, meanwhile, are investigating whether the afternoon fires could be linked to a separate fire that appeared to have started in Central Park earlier in the morning around 7 a.m., law enforcement sources said.

Witnesses told police they saw a man setting a fire that afternoon in Central Park West. The search for the culprit continues.