West Richland Police and Benton County Fire District #4 responded to a fire that started spreading from a campfire around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
According to Sgt. Drew Hendrickson, two juveniles between 10-15-years-old started a campfire in a desert-like area near Van Giesen Street and Belmont Drive. Capt. Raymond Newton with Benton County Fire District #4 said they believe it was started by matches and the fire began to spread.
One of them tried to put it out, which caused him to singe off some of his hair. Hendrickson said there were no burns to his skin. Paramedics checked out the child at the scene, and he was not transported.
"Kids need to understand how quickly fires can spread and evolve and just how small exposures to small fires can cause permanent or lasting damage," Hendrickson said.