Othello 4-year-old boy suffers serious burns

Accidentally lit himself on fire

OTHELLO - A 4-year-old Othello boy was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for second- and third-degree burns late Sunday night.

Othello police responded to a residence on Second Avenue where a 4-year-old boy reportedly accidentally lit his clothes on fire with a lighter, Police Chief Steve Dunnagan said. The boy suffered burns to his face, arms and chest.

The chief said the boy and his older brother were playing video games when the incident happened. The older brother put the fire out by taking the boy outside and rolling him in the snow. He said he was unclear about the older brother's age but he appeared to be about 10 to 12 years old.

It is unclear how the boy came into possession of a lighter. The adult in the house was reportedly sleeping at the time of the incident, Dunnagan said.

Police Officer Bob Hampton said the boy's injuries do not appear to be life-threatening and he expects the youngster to recover. He said the boy is expected to stay at the medical center for several days before undergoing possible skin reconstruction surgeries.

Harborview Medical Center declined to release the medical status of the boy.