SALEM — A playground structure at Saltonstall School was destroyed by fire just days before the opening of the school year.

Fire investigators said the blaze appears to have been set.

The kindergarten play structure was valued at $30,000 to $50,000, according to Paul L'heureux, director of building services for the schools.

"It's a total loss," he said.

School officials were called to the Lafayette Street property shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday and told that the outdoor gym, in an alcove behind the school, had been engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly put out the blaze but were not able to save the structure.

"The kids next door said the flames were pretty high," Saltonstall Principal Julie Carter said.

Investigators say it may have been set by youths using a cigarette lighter to burn graffiti into the plastic sections of the apparatus.

Workers were cleaning up the area yesterday and fencing off what remains of the structure in preparation for the opening of school tomorrow.

School officials have contacted parents and PTO representatives to inform them of the vandalism.

"It's rough because we want the kids to feel welcome here," said Carter, a former Saltonstall teacher who is starting her first year as principal.

"It's sad for the kids," said Marcie Clawson, first-year president of the Saltonstall PTO. "I know, for one, my little girl loved playing on it. I've already talked to her about it."

The school has another play structure used by older children, but this one was designed for the younger children and used exclusively by them, the principal said. The play apparatus was insured, Carter said, but the policy has a $10,000 deductible — money the school does not have.

Ironically, plans are under way to replace the larger and older play structure, but the school was hoping to use the smaller kindergarten gym for several more years.

"It was in perfect shape," the principal said.

The PTO is already talking about holding fundraisers to replace it.

"It's unfortunate," Clawson said, "but we'll make the best of it."