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Two separate incidents involving young children in Mission, British Columbia, have prompted local RCMP to issue a warning to parents about household safety risks. Both incidents occurred on September 18, and both highlight how quickly young children can access and misuse dangerous items found at home.
Seven-Year-Old Starts House Fire with Blow Torch
In the first incident, a seven-year-old boy found a small blow torch inside his home. He managed to connect it to a propane cylinder and started a fire. The local fire department responded and extinguished the blaze, which police described as small.
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However, the situation could easily have been far more serious. The fact that a child of that age successfully operated the equipment alarmed authorities and prompted them to speak out.
Four-Year-Old Drives Parents’ SUV into Parked Cars
Later the same day, a four-year-old boy found the keys to his parents’ Cadillac Escalade. He climbed into the vehicle, started the engine and drove it into two nearby parked cars. CCTV footage confirmed the sequence of events.
Fortunately, no one suffered injuries in the collision. Despite the outcome, police noted that the potential for serious harm was significant.
RCMP Urge Parents to Review Home Safety
Mission RCMP used both incidents to remind parents how resourceful children can be. In a news release, police encouraged families to look carefully around their homes. They asked parents to consider what steps they could take to reduce risks to young children.
The warning applies broadly to items such as tools, lighters, vehicle keys and other potentially dangerous objects that children may be able to access. Storing such items securely and out of reach remains one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents.
Both incidents serve as a clear reminder that even very young children are capable of operating equipment adults may assume is beyond their ability. As a result, RCMP stressed that proactive safety measures at home are essential for protecting children from accidental harm.
