A 6-year-old boy was severely burned after playing with a cigarette lighter. The incident happened at his family’s house on the 3400 block of 22nd Street Southeast. Neighbours said the family just recently moved into the area.

It was around 10:30 on Sunday morning when neighbours heard screams for help near the house and called the firefighters.

They arrived to the scene and found the boy who suffered second and third degree burns on about 30 percent of his body, firefighters said. The boy was airlifted to Children’s Hospital, Alan Etter, the D.C. fire department spokesman said. He will be sent to the Shriners Hospital in Boston for further medical treatment.

Fire officials said the lighter was not equipped with a child safety mechanism, but the fire is still under investigation by D. C. officials.

“All I heard was the screaming and the girl hollering take off the shirt, take off the shirt, and he was screaming real bad,” one neighbour said.

The boy was playing outside with a conventional lighter, together with a group of children when he ignited his clothes. He then ran into the apartment, where some adults managed to extinguish the flames.

Officials are urging parents to keep an eye on their children and on any lighter that may be in reach of children. Lighters and safety matches are a thrill for them and they are tempted to experience the excitement of fire. This dangerous scenario may lead to life-threatening situations.