Child Playing With Lighter Sparks Fire That Injures 20 Firefighters

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A kid playing with a lighter started the fire which burned through five homes and injured 20 firefighters in New Springville this past weekend says the FDNY.

The 5-alarm fire was ruled accidental by the fire marshals, according to post on social media, by the FDNY.

Per #FDNY Fire Marshals – Saturday’s 5-alarm fire at 237 Steinway Ave #StatenIsland, in which 20 Firefighters were injured and five homes were damaged, was accidental, caused by a child playing with a lighter
— FDNY (@FDNY) June 18, 2018

No information has been released about the age of the child or details about how the lighter was used to set the fire.

The fire which briefly closed a portion of Richmond Avenue started at an attached home on Steinway Avenue shortly after 7 p.m. and eventually went to a fifth alarm at 8:10 p.m.

The fire spread to 231, 233, 237, 239 and 243 Steinway Avenue, says an FDNY spokesman.

The 20 injured firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Four of them were considered seriously injured, and 16 had “minor” injuries, according to the department.

Parents are now warned to keep lighters, matches and other potential ignition sources away from children, a spokesman for the FDNY recommended.

The FDNY also encourages parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of playing with lighters and matches that could cause fires.

Parents should stress that these items are not toys, the FDNY spokesman said.

Talk to children about the dangers of playing with fire. See more #FDNYSmart tips for keeping you and your family safe at https://t.co/NpwdRdlElY https://t.co/w41sI7s68I
— FDNY (@FDNY) June 18, 2018