Katherine Fire and Rescue Service personnel were called to a fire in the Binjari community yesterday to find a caravan had been destroyed by fire.

Responding officers discovered the fire had been started by two young children who had been ‘playing’ with a lighter.

Leading Firefighter Steve Ditcham said the fire was extinguished by adults on the scene but the result could have been tragic.

“Children can be fascinated with fire and have little knowledge of the dangers or consequences.  It is an important reminder for parents and carers to teach children that matches and lighters are tools, not toys.”

Leading Firefighter Ditcham said such objects should be kept out of children’s reach or used only under strict adult supervision.

“Educating a child about the danger of fire is something that could prevent consequences that are so often catastrophic.”

The fire was started in long grass behind the block housing the caravan and spread quickly.  The van was unoccupied and was used for storage only.

No one was injured.