Fire personnel assess damage to the playground at Creative Kids Preschool and Daycare in Yuba City following a fire the night of July 4. Photo by Michelle Lightle

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A Fourth of July fire destroyed a playground at Creative Kids Preschool and Daycare's Lincoln Road location and damaged a neighboring business, with illegal fireworks suspected as the cause.

The fire broke out the night of July 4 at 1060 Lincoln Road. Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading into the preschool building, but the outdoor play area used by the center's youngest children sustained extensive damage.

The fire destroyed artificial turf and damaged playground equipment, toys and a shaded area designed for infants and young children. As a result, children from infants through age 5 have reportedly been kept indoors while the center determines how to repair or replace the damaged play area.

The fire broke out the night of July 4 at 1060 Lincoln Road. Photo by Michelle Lightle

A neighboring South Asian market, New Delhi Palace, also sustained damage in the fire. Creative Kids has publicly attributed the fire to illegal fireworks that struck a fence near the property. Fire officials have said the incident remains under investigation as they work to determine the official cause.

The fire occurred during a particularly busy Independence Day period for the Yuba City Fire Department, which responded to 103 calls between July 3 and July 4, approximately three times its typical call volume during the same period.

The incident has renewed concerns surrounding the use of illegal fireworks and the potential for fires during hot, dry summer conditions.

Creative Kids operates three locations in Yuba City and provides care for infants, preschool-age and school-age children. According to owner Michelle Lightle, there are currently no fundraising efforts planned.