Kids' fireworks destroys home, injures baby

SUMMERFIELD – A 9-month-old baby suffered smoke inhalation and second-degree burns on his arms and face on Saturday morning after three children reportedly were playing with fireworks that destroyed their Summerfield home, Marion County Fire Rescue officials said.

MCFR Public Education Specialist Peveeta Persaud said the infant was in the northeast bedroom with the three children, ages 7,6 and 4 when the fire began. Persaud said the 4-year-old is a neighbor's child.

The children, all boys, were playing with sparklers and matches when the three bedroom, one bath, wood frame home caught fire, Persaud said.

Persaud said they received the call at 8:59 a.m. and arrived at 9:04 a.m. The fire was under control at 9:15 a.m.

The infant, whose name was not released, was flown to Shands at the University of Florida Hospital in Gainesville with smoke inhalation and burns to his hands and face. Emergency Medical Services Alliance officials said the burns covered 10 percent of the infant's body.

Persaud said the child's injury is not considered life threatening.

Mandy Myers' 3-year-old son, who was in the home at the time of the fire, told the Star-Banner that her son told her that the two older boys had sneaked into the bedroom and attempted to light a sparkler.

According to officials and the American Red Cross, three children lived in the home located at 14174 S.E. 44th Court.

Red Cross officials said Susan Brown is the legal guardian for the children – the injured child, along with two others -- that lived in the home.

Mike Johnson, a volunteer for the American Red Cross, said the agency is seeking shelter for the displaced family at a motel for three to four days. They're trying to get food, clothing and shoes for the family.

"Our primary concern is to get something with a microwave and a fridge because of the baby," Johnson said.

As for the three children that were involved in the fire, Persaud said they will be referred to the Marion County Fire Rescue Juvenile Fire Setter program. The program is a two-hour informational class, where children watch videos about the dangers of setting fires, discuss what they watched

and typically write essays on what they learn, as a deterrent for starting fires.

Persaud said if parents notice their children wanting to start fires, they can refer them to the program.

Austin Miller can be reached at austin.miller@starbanner.com.