Three Nevada Homes Destroyed In Fire Sparked By Teens, Fireworks

July 28, 2004
A fire started by teenagers playing with fireworks raced up a dry hillside and destroyed three homes, but firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no one was injured, fire officials said.
RENO, Nev. (AP) -- A fire started by teenagers playing with fireworks raced up a dry hillside and destroyed three homes, but firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no one was injured, fire officials said.

A fourth house was heavily damaged and a fifth was slightly damaged by the fire Tuesday night a few miles north of downtown, said Fire Division Chief Larry Farr.

``Everything is gone, everything we had in this world except our vehicles,'' Teresa Franklin said.

Victims and neighbors estimated the value of the houses, which stood 15 to 20 feet apart, at $250,000 to $300,000.

Investigators located eyewitnesses, and two boys in their early teens promptly admitted their role in the fire, Farr said.

The boys were allowed to remain in their parents' custody while investigators discuss the case with prosecutors, he said.

More than 50 firefighters fought the blaze, which engulfed the first home within minutes while fire crews were still en route, he said. Six adults and two youths were displaced by the fire.

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