Children playing with matches start fire; mother arrested

Three children escaped a Richmond, Ind. apartment fire that they started by playing with matches while their mother left them home alone, according to our partners at Kicks 96.

Firefighters responded to the Greenwood Apartments in Richmond late Tuesday afternoon after neighbors heard a smoke alarm. First responders found three children, ages 3, 7 and 11, inside, and two other children outside playing.

Police found the children's mother, identified as Jennifer Leitch, 30, and booked her into jail on five counts of felony child neglect, according to Kicks 96.

Fire officials said the children had been playing with matches. No one was injured, and damage to the apartment was minimal.

About the Author