A FATHER burnt his face trying to put out a fire started by his 4-year-old son in Feltham last week, after the boy started playing with a cigarette lighter.

Just after 9am on Friday (May 23rd) the father and son were at home in a four floor block of flats in Becketts Close, when it is believed the young boy set fire to a mattress in the flat.

A Fire Brigade spokesperson commented: Quick action by the father of the flat prevented the fire spreading beyond control but this resulted in minor burns to his face.''

Two engines were called out from Feltham fire station and spent 30 minutes at the scene.

The spokesperson continued: Although the father's action was quick and effective, it could have been avoided to a degree by a very simple action. The initiative of young children should never be underestimated and in this case a 4-year-old boy knew where and how to use a cigarette lighter to accidentally or otherwise set fire to a mattress. Always keep matches and lighters out of reach of young children no matter how young they are.

If the occupier had a smoke alarm he may have been alerted earlier of a fire in the property and may have avoided getting burned.''

May 30, 2003 12:00