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WEST VALLEY CITY -- West Valley Fire investigators say the fire that killed a 4-year-old girl was caused by a child playing with a lighter.
The victim, Tangi Togiai, died of smoke inhalation, according to the medical examiner's office. Fire officials say she was found near a closet door in the room where the fire started.
The fire heavily damaged the home near 4500 South and 5000 West Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators say they're bringing in a specialist to interview other children who were with the victim.
Fire officials have not officially determined who actually started the fire, but family members have stated it appears Tangi lit the fire, then tried to put it out with some clothes.
Meanwhile, this tragedy brings to light some lessons for families that could help our children Stay Safe.
Unified Fire teams have a program they take into schools that teach fire safety to young children.
"They carry kits with them at all times, with tools to help teach the difference between tools and toys and why we don't play with matches," says firefighter Ben Sharer.
They take fire safety a step further, because children who may start a fire are more worried about getting trouble than in getting out of the house, as was the case in West Valley, where the little girl was hiding in a bedroom.
"Young children -- 3, 4, 5 years old -- get afraid of the fire. They end up hiding either under the bed, or they go in the closet to hide from the fire instead of getting outside where it's safe," Sharer says.
Unified Fire also has a program for kids who set fires. Parents can bring in those children to the Fire Marshal's office for discussion and, if necessary, evaluation.
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Story compiled with contributions from Marc Giauque and Nadine Wimmer.
