Fire caused by child with matches

DAYTON - A child playing with matches started a fire that destroyed two homes last week, authorities said Thursday.

"We discovered a lighter head in the area and the child did admit to playing with matches today," said Bob Keilty, training officer for Central Lyon County Fire District.

The Aug. 13 fire began about 9 a.m. near a side fence at the rental home of Michael L'Africain and his four children at 317 Valley View Road. It quickly jumped to the L'Africain attic and the attic at 319 Valley View Road where Joe Mohr, his wife, two children and sister had lived for a month.

Investigators said while the oldest L'Africain child, a 15-year-old, was asleep, one of her younger siblings was playing with matches. Michael was at work at the time.

The L'Africain home was destroyed.

The Mohr home, although still standing, suffered extensive damage throughout.

"The front of the house looks fine, but as soon as you walk through the front door you see that the ceiling is collapsed, the inside is completely fire damaged," said neighbor Susan Hult. "The Mohrs called companies to see if they could at least have their furniture cleaned and everyone they talked to told them, 'No, you have to junk it. It's a health hazard.'"

She said the family was three days shy of their renter's insurance kicking in. They have since rented another home in the same neighborhood, but have nothing to put in it.

"I was hoping some furniture company would donate to them," Hult said. "They need help."

Keilty said the child responsible will be required to attend Lyon County's Juvenile Fire Starter Program designed to educate children and prevent them from playing with fire again.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.