San Jose Girl Playing With Lighter Accidentally Sets House On Fire
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- An elementary school girl accidentally started a fire that caused $40,000 worth of damage this morning when she was playing with a lighter next to some clothes, a San Jose fire captain said.
The girl started the fire in her closet at about 10:30 a.m. and quickly told her mother about it, Capt. Rob Brown said.
Firefighters responded within minutes to the home, located at Dailey Avenue and San Lorenzo Drive, and found heavy smoke upstairs, Brown said.
The fire was contained to the girl's bedroom and controlled at about 10:50 a.m.
Firefighters also discussed fire safety programs with the girl and her family.
"We're really lucky the kids and family came out safe," Brown said. "It was a good learning experience."
He said kids who start fires by accident often hide instead of telling their parents.
"Had she done that, this might have been a different outcome," Brown said.
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