RENO COUNTY — Fire investigators say a 4-year-old is responsible for starting a house fire in Hutchinson.

Just before 11a.m. Sunday, the fire crews to a home in the1400 Block of East 5th Avenue in Hutchinson for a structure fire.

On arrival, first in crews located a pile of clothes on fire that had started in a closet. Fire crews quickly contained the fire to the area of origin. All members inside the residence escaped without injury. Investigators have determined the cause of the fire to be a child playing with a lighter.

Battalion Chief William Lang reminded adults to teach children to never play with matches or lighters. Make it a habit of placing these items up and away from young children.
In addition, take time to teach your children how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm. Teach them to get low and get out when they hear the alarm. A child who is coached properly ahead of time will have a better chance to be safe. New statistics show that once a smoke alarms sounds, you have 3 minutes to get out safely.

Hutchinson Fire Department was assisted by the Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas Gas, and Westar Energy.