October 1, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Morning Fire Damages Queensborough Home

Toddler playing with matches cited as cause . . .

Shreveport firefighters responded to the report of a house fire at 2818 James Street this morning at 10:40 a.m. When the first companies arrived on the scene flames and smoke were billowing out of the rear bedroom of a single story wood frame structure. Three of the residence’s six occupants were home at the time of the fire and all were able to escape without injury. It took firefighters a little over 15 minutes to put the blaze under control. Fire investigators have determined that a two-year-old playing with matches started the fire. When interviewed, the child’s mother told Investigator Randy Stephens that she remembered accidently leaving her matches and cigarettes on the bed wile she went to take a bath. During that time, the toddler got a hold of the matches and initiated the fire. Damage estimates were listed at $20,000 to $25,000.

The Shreveport Fire Department cautions against leaving small children unattended, even for short periods of time, where there are flammable materials available. Children are curious and naturally drawn to fire and objects such as matches that ignite. ###