Sadly, the family of four did not have any home insurance. The Red Cross is temporarily putting them up in a motel, but with limited funds available, they're just moments away from becoming homeless.
“It just melted everything down,” said Shannon Cotter.
A few family photos were about all that could be saved from a devastating fire at this mobile home Monday night.
Homeowners Patrick Cotter and his wife Shannon took us through the charred mess.
“This was a plastic storage box,” points out
“I knew it was gone, but I didn't put two and two together. I got halfway down the hallway and I saw a bright light,” said
She found the boy with the lighter crying in a room engulfed in flames.
“I tried engaging the fire extinguisher, but it didn't work and by then the flames hit the ceiling,” said
They quickly got out and firefighters took over, but the damage was done. Friends have since been offering support to the Cotters.
“There’s been a lot of neighbors looking in, even just a kind word helps a lot,” said Patrick.
Minors playing with matches and lighters cause 56,000 fires each year about 100 of those usually turn deadly.
“The biggest thing we can educate folks about is if they're going to have lighters or matches, keep them out of the reach of children. Store them up and away,” said Captain Brian Price of the Fresno Fire Dept.
Capt. Price says never treat fire as a source of entertainment for kids.
“If you see a moment where your child shows interest in the fire, take the time, use a serious tone of voice and educate them that this is a tool, not a toy,” said Capt. Price.
After learning a lesson the hard way, Patrick offers up this advice to other parents.
“Just keep a closer eye on your kids,” said Patrick.
The Cotters could really use some clothing in both children and adult sizes. If you have anything to donate, please bring it to the office here at the Four Seasons Mobile Home Park located on Dakota, between Marks and Weber.