
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 23, 1993                   TAG: 9305230121
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CODY LOWE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

INVESTIGATORS: KIDS STARTED FIRE AT HOUSE

Roanoke Fire Department officials said four youngsters - ages 11 to 15 - were responsible for a Saturday afternoon fire at a boarded-up house in the 4100 block of Salem Turnpike Northwest.

The two-story frame house, which neighbors said had not been occupied for several months, was boarded up on the ground floor.

District Fire Chief Garry Basham said the youngsters somehow got into the house and were exploring the dark interior with lighted candles.

One boy dropped a candle, igniting a fire that quickly got out of control, causing an estimated $30,000 worth of damage, Basham said.

Flames and heavy smoke were pouring from the upstairs windows when firefighters arrived. There was extensive damage to the upper floor, though the fire was controlled in a matter of minutes.

Basham said the youths cooperated with authorities and likely would not face any charges. He said they might be referred to a special program to teach fire safety to youngsters.

No one was injured in the blaze.

by CNB