Boy, 12, Starts Fire with Lighter, Igniting Hedge and House in Germany

A seemingly minor act of playing with a lighter has resulted in significant damage and a hefty bill for a family in Reutlingen, Germany. A 12-year-old boy is accused of starting a fire after he allegedly ignited a hedge with a lighter.

The blaze quickly escalated, with flames spreading from the hedge to a nearby house. By the time firefighters arrived, the hedge was fully ablaze, several windows of the house had burst from the heat, and the roof had caught fire. The rapid spread was attributed to the dry conditions of the hedge.

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Several people had observed him holding a lighter to the dry hedge, which immediately caught fire.

Eyewitness accounts were crucial in identifying the young culprit. Multiple people reportedly saw the boy using the lighter on the hedge, which immediately caught fire. Police were able to quickly locate the boy at his parents' home, where he admitted to the act. The incident caused an estimated 40,000 euros in damages, affecting the house, the hedge, and a nearby gas station advertising board. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the house remains habitable.

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He was at home and promptly admitted to the mischief.