Kids Playing With Lighter Causes House Fire Near Waleska

WALESKA, GA — Cherokee County fire investigators have determined two children were responsible for a house fire on Wednesday afternoon.

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services responded to a structure fire at 4:45 p.m. at 1185 Darby Road near Waleska.

A caller to Cherokee County 911 said a house was on fire, and it was unknown if someone was still inside. The caller also said the homes in the area were roughly 5-feet apart. Cherokee County firefighters arrived to find the house with flames and smoke.

Cherokee County Fire Investigator Cheri Collett said the fire was started by two juveniles, ages 9 and 11. According to Collett, the boys found a cigarette lighter the night before. The next day the boys went inside an out building and started setting fire to 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, coming through the attic in the house beside it.

The house had significant damage and is uninhabitable. Two women, one man and two children were living in the home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported. The American Red Cross was notified to assist the family.

Collett also said no charges will be filled against the two boys. However, they will be referred to the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Youth Firesetter Intervention Program.