Salina house fire started by child playing with lighter

(SALINA, Kan.) — A child playing with a lighter starts a fire that damages a Salina home.

Fire crews were called to the home in the 800 block of W. Ash around 9:00 Monday morning. When the first crews arrived they found smoke and flames coming from the back of the home.

The Salina Fire Department says crews were able to quickly knock down the flames. Investigators determined the fire started when a child was playing with a lighter between the house and a shed.

Investigators say five people were inside the home at the time and none were hurt. The child was treated on scene for a minor burn to his cheek. The Red Cross was called into help the people who lived in the home with temporary shelter.

Fire officials remind parents that things like matches and lighters are a leading cause of fire deaths for children. They say to make sure to store items like that out of childrens' reach.