HOWARD LAKE, Minn. — An investigation into a Howard Lake house fire that later spread to another nearby home and church revealed a 7-year-old unintentionally started it while playing with a lighter.
On Tuesday, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal released its findings from the investigation into the May 28 fire, alleging the child told his father he used a "lighter to light a stick on fire" before he tried to "stomp it out" with his shoe. The incident report said the child was near or inside the family's storage shed — which contained firewood and cardboard — when the fire started.
The report said embers then spread to the family's detached garage, before extending to their house, another home and the nearby 121-year-old St. James Lutheran Church. Officials said they believe wind gusts played a factor in the fire's quick spread.
According to the fire marshal, the family's detached garage was considered a total loss while both their home and a neighboring home sustained some amount of fire damage. Investigators also said the church sustained water and smoke damage to its interior, with a limited amount of additional damage to its steeple.
No injuries were suffered as a result.
KARE 11's Lou Raguse spoke with the child's father the day after the incident, who said he jumped into action after the child alerted his family to the flames engulfing their shed.
"Kind of went into panic mode a little bit," Richard Block said.
Block not only got his own family and pets to safety but realizing his neighbor wasn't home at the time, also helped save her pets from the spreading flames.
"I really think I was on autopilot more than anything. Just do what needs to be done. Don't even think about it. Just go do it," he said.
In its report, the fire marshal indicated the child does not have a previous history of firesetting.
To help the families whose homes were affected, St. James Lutheran Church is currently collecting toys and clothing.
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