Cherokee County Fire And Emergency Services: Juveniles Playing With Lighter Causes House Fire

Press release from the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services:

February 26, 2021

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a structure fire Wednesday afternoon, at approximately 4:45, at 1185 Darby Road near Waleska. A caller to Cherokee County 911 stated that a house was on fire and it was unknown if someone was still inside.  The caller also advised that the houses in the area were approximately 5 feet apart.  Cherokee County firefighters arrived on scene to find the house with flames and smoke showing. Cherokee County Fire Investigator, Cheri Collett, stated that the fire was started by two juveniles, ages 9 and 11.  According to Collett, the boys had found a cigarette lighter the night before.  The next day the boys went inside an out building and started setting fire to some styrofoam. The boys also said that they stomped the fire out and went outside.  Minutes later, fire and smoke could be seen coming from the out building and it was traveling through the attic in the house beside it. The house received significant damage and is uninhabitable at this time.  Three adults, 2 women and 1 man, and two children were living in the home at the time of the fire.  The American Red Cross was notified to assist the family.  Collett also reported that no charges will be filled against the two boys, however, they will be referred to the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Youth Firesetter Intervention Program. No injuries were reported.

This press release was produced by the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services. The views expressed here are the author’s own.