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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, May 15, 2009

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.