Fire Erupts After Dinnertime Dispute

A carbon monoxide detector may have saved a family of seven after a dinner table disagreement turned dangerously fiery—all thanks to a curious child and a Bic lighter. 🚨The Scene: A Bedroom Blaze Nearly Turns Tragic Firefighters and deputies rushed to a home on Township Road 1335 after carbon monoxide alarms sounded. When crews arrived, they found the fire mostly contained to one bedroom. Thankfully, the family had managed to douse the flames with a household fire extinguisher—but not before damage was done. 👨🚒 Fayette Township Fire Chief Vaughn quickly identified the likely cause: a small blue Bic lighter jammed into a hole in the bedroom wall. The room belonged to a young boy who, investigators say, has a history of playing with fire. 🧠 Trouble Brewing Beneath the Surface The child’s adoptive aunt—who is also his guardian—told deputies the boy, who is autistic, had been struggling with emotional outbursts and had previously been caught playing with lighters. Earlier that evening, she said, he became upset during a mealtime scolding. What happened next, he later confessed during an interview with Fire Inspector Blake Ridenour: He lit papers on fire in his room Panicked when they ignited his bedding Tried to smother the flames with a blanket Ended up fueling the fire instead Luckily, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors alerted the adults just in time to prevent a full-on tragedy. 👨👩👧👦 Everyone Got Out—But It Could Have Been Worse 4 children and 3 adults were inside the home No injuries reported The boy’s room was heavily damaged Fire Marshals are investigating further The Bic lighter was recovered and entered into evidence 🛡️ Protecting Kids From Fire Curiosity This incident serves as a powerful reminder: even small flames can lead to big disasters—especially when kids are involved. Tips for Parents and Caregivers: 🔥 Lock up all lighters and matches—out of sight, out of reach 🧯 Keep working fire extinguishers in key areas like kitchens and bedrooms 🚪 Install AND test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms regularly 🧠 Talk to children about fire safety in a calm, non-threatening way 🫂 Seek mental health support if a child has emotional or behavioral challenges This fire was accidental—but the damage was real. Thanks to alert family members, first responders, and working alarms, a dangerous situation was stopped in its tracks. But it’s also a wake-up call: kids’ curiosity plus fire is a deadly combo. Let’s be proactive—not reactive. 🔒🔥👨👩👧👦

Related Content

Homeless Crisis Spills Into Alexandria House As Temps Drop

Grandparents Raises Alarm Over Kids Living in “Horrible Conditions”