Child playing with lighter started Mililani housefire
Advertiser Staff
Honolulu fire investigators have determined that a child playing with a lighter caused a fire that destroyed a house in Mililani on Tuesday morning.
The fire at 94-021 Mahau Place began in the family room on the second floor, the fire department said today. Investigators have classified the blaze as accidental.
Damage was estimated at $850,000 to the structure and $50,000 to contents.
The two-story, five-bedroom house is owned by the Samoan Congregational Church of Mililani and is used to house the Rev. Iosia Evile and his family.
Evile�s daughter was treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
The fire department offers the following tips to help keep kids from playing with lighters or matches:
� Set a good example; make fire safety a family matter. Practice fire and burn prevention in your home.
� Supervise your child. Almost all fires start when children are unsupervised.
� Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet, far away from curious fingers.
� Purchase only child resistant lighters. Even a 2-year-old can work a cigarette lighter.
� Use a "Don't Touch!" approach with children under 5 years old. Teach older children to bring matches to you. Reward them with praise when they do.
� Teach all children that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for children.
� Check smoke alarms regularly and have a plan to get out of your home quickly in the event of a fire.