Two people were taken to Newman Regional Health after putting a fire out at 16 Exchange St. Tuesday afternoon.
Eliseo Duarto and Elis Duarto were taken to the hospital via private vehicle. A spokesperson for Newman Regional Health said this morning that both individuals were treated and released.
Fire Marshal Tom Andrews said this morning that the fire was caused by a child playing with a lighter. The occupants put the fire out with a fire extinguisher and water, Andrews said. The home, which is owned by Eric Ramirez, sustained $1,500 in property damage and $200 in content damage, Andrews said.
Andrews said items such as lighters and matches should be kept out of children’s’ reach.
“Keep them away where children don’t have access to them,” Andrews said. “A lot of times parents or guardians will realize that certain children do have more of a tendency to play with fire and in that case seek some help and so either get in touch with the fire department or counseling with the school or mental health services.
“And parents need to realize that it’s natural for kids to be curious about fire so they need to be diligent to paying attention to that and keeping those matches and lighters out of their reach.”
madpoet (anonymous) says...
How about explaining to the kids that fire isn't a toy, that people can get hurt and houses burned down when people are careless? My 3 1/2 year old son has learned that lesson and once reminded me when I didn't get the matches put up right after using them. Parents need to talk with their children about issues preferrably before a mishap. Luckily, no one was hurt this time.
January 7, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )