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Boy Playing With Lighter Starts Duplex Fire

Tampa Fire Rescue

A grandmother and three children were able to get out of this duplex at 2624 E. 24th Ave. after a mattress caught fire.

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TBO.com

Published: January 29, 2009

A fire this afternoon caused by a 4-year-old boy playing with a lighter has left a family of five without a home, Tampa Fire Rescue officials say.

Fire crews arrived at 2624 E. 24th Ave. about 3 p.m. and saw smoke and flames coming from a single story duplex. Investigators say that homeowner Annie Harley saw her 4-year-old grandson come out of a bedroom and noticed something was wrong.

Harley went in the room and saw the mattress on fire. Harley got the boy, along with her other grandchildren — ages 4, 1 and 6 months — safely out of the burning duplex. The adjacent residence was vacant.

Damage to Harley's duplex is about $100,000. Firefighters had the flames under control in 15 minutes and no injuries were reported.

The 4-year-old boy will be referred to the juvenile fire-setters program, which teaches families and children about fire prevention and safety. The American Red Cross is helping Harley and her grandchildren with clothing and temporary shelter.

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