12-Year-Old Playing With Fireworks Sets House On Fire, Father Arrested: Police

KINGSTON, NY — A dad who bought fireworks for his kid is now facing a criminal charge after those fireworks caused a house fire, according to police.

After an investigation into the fire that took place on Wednesday, on Elmendorf Street, the City of Kingston Police Department issued an appearance ticket to the homeowner for unlawfully dealing with fireworks and dangerous fireworks.

Matusalem Tiul-Cac, 39, legally purchased sparkling fireworks from a local vendor and gave the fireworks to his 12-year-old son, which is a misdemeanor in New York, police said. While using the fireworks under the supervision of his dad, the child accidentally set fire to the house, according to investigators.

The Kingston Fire Department was called to the house to extinguish the fire.

When crews arrived on the scene, they found smoke coming from the attic and family members inside trying to put out the fire themselves, according to fire officials. Firefighters removed the occupants for their safety, and quickly brought the fire under control.

The fire was contained to the area around a window in the attic. Both residents were treated on scene for smoke inhalation and declined transport, according to authorities.

"The Kingston Police Department would like to remind the public that fireworks are inherently dangerous, including those that are legal to possess and use," the department said in a statement. "Fireworks should only be used as intended and directed; and only by responsible adults."