JUNE 15, 2006 -- Members of the Wilmington Fire Department say a destructive fire Wednesday night highlights the importance of a new program teaching children about fire safety.
Firefighters were called to a mobile home fire on Kerry Drive in the northern part of New Hanover County around 10:30p.m. Wednesday.
Authorities say the fire was set by a 4-year-old child playing with a lighter.
Flames destroyed the home and spread to several cars outside.
Assistant Fire Chief Frank Blackley says the Wilmington Fire Department is starting a new program that will work with children who have set fires. They hope the program will teach children the dangers and destruction a fire can cause. Blackley says the program should start this fall.
The department has also purchased a new robot that interacts with children to teach them about fire prevention.
Reported by: Kacey Gaumer