Crews: Child playing with lighter starts apartment fire

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – A fire at an apartment complex in Columbia leaves 17 people homeless, and firefighters say it’s because a child was playing with a cigarette lighter. There were reports of intense flames Sunday night at the Pine Haven Villas complex off Greenlawn Drive. Overall, four units sustained damage, estimated around $90,000 dollars. Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins is encouraging parents to speak with their kids about the dangers of lighters and matches. He says they should also round up all the smoking materials inside the house. It includes checking under beds and in closets. Smokers should be conscious of kids as well. Lastly, keep on eye on your kids. Jenkins adds most fires started by children occur when they do not have adult supervision.