Tamaqua firefighters and police responded to the Bill Angst Tamaqua Little League Stadium in the Dutch Hill section at 8 p.m. Sunday after someone set fire to two separate garbage receptacles located underneath the wood pavilion.

When firefighters arrived they noticed the commercial receptacles still on fire just under the pavilion, which is connected to the concession stand.

The fire was extinguished quickly by both the American Hose and East End Fire companies. The fire completely melted both receptacles. The heat also caused nearby siding to be melted and wooden beams to be scorched.

The two-field stadium, officially established in 1998, is managed by the Tamaqua Little League Field Association, which routinely holds league and tournament games for youth from April to July. Members of the association, which celebrated its 60th year in 2009, also responded to help in the investigation.

"This is just unbelievable that someone would do something like this," Bill Angst, association president, said, stressing the association's disappointment that people would purposely go out of their way to do destroy property that youth enjoy.

Renovations and improvements were completed in past years at the stadium. Cy Rother, association vice president, pointed out that more than 360 kids annually participate in activities held at the stadium.

The association and Tamaqua Crime Watch are each offering a single $500 reward for anyone who provides a court-used statement that leads to the arrest of the arsonist(s).

"Luckily a neighbor saw the flames," said Michael Angelo, acting fire chief, pointing out the possibility of the pavilion and dugout catching fire.

Anyone with information concerning the arson is encouraged to call police at (570) 668-5000.